North India is set to face an unprecedented weather event from Saturday to Wednesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting record-breaking rain over Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Chandigarh due to the convergence of three powerful weather systems. Authorities have issued heightened warnings, including red alerts for extremely heavy rain exceeding 21 cm in a day, alongside thunderstorms, lightning, and possible hailstorms. The rare event will begin with the arrival of a fresh western disturbance over northwest India on Saturday, drawing moist air from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. This circulation will interact with a deepening low-pressure system over the Northeast Arabian Sea and a second depression strengthening near the Bay of Bengal, channelling moisture into the region. Meteorologists describe this as “very unique”, with the competing systems expected to push the Western Disturbance’s cyclonic circulation into Punjab and Rajasthan by October 5, amplifying rainfall and possibly causing flash flooding and landslides in hilly terrain. Widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected from Sunday to Wednesday, peaking on Monday, with very heavy precipitation anticipated in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and adjoining areas. Punjab, which has already received 41 per cent excess rainfall this monsoon, could see flood risks increase further, while Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand remain vulnerable to landslides. Rescue and disaster response teams have been placed on standby, with officials urging people to stock essentials, avoid travel, and closely monitor weather alerts in high-risk areas. As the systems interact and delay the monsoon’s withdrawal, district administration authorities are urging residents across the region to remain vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing and potentially hazardous conditions in the coming days.
