Punjab faces hailstorm threat as paddy lies exposed

Punjab and Chandigarh are bracing for unsettled weather as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Thursday, October 15. Thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and isolated hailstorms are anticipated, with a yellow alert following on Friday. This weather system, driven by an active western disturbance, poses a significant risk to the region's agriculture.

Harvested paddy is currently lying exposed in grain markets across Punjab, and some farmers are still in the process of harvesting their rice crop. The IMD has warned that the forecasted rain and hail could damage both harvested produce and standing crops. Additionally, the severe weather may impact transportation and municipal services.

Maximum temperatures in Chandigarh were recorded around 32.9°C on Wednesday, with minimum temperatures at 19.6°C, both above normal. Similar conditions were observed in Mohali and Panchkula. While dry conditions prevailed on Wednesday, the outlook for Thursday and Friday includes light to moderate rainfall in many parts of Punjab and Chandigarh, with winds gusting up to 60 kmph at isolated places.

The forecast indicates a gradual improvement with rainfall activity becoming more limited by Saturday. Dry weather is expected to return across the broader state from Saturday onwards, providing a much-needed respite. The Tricity outlook suggests mainly clear conditions will resume after the current spell of rain and thunderstorms subsides.