Monsoon set to enter Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana

According to the department, atmospheric conditions have become favourable for the monsoon to advance further into the remaining parts of north India, including parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, as well as Jammu and Kashmir, and the remaining areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, during the next three to four days.

For Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana, the IMD has forecast light to moderate rain at isolated places on June 30, followed by a gradual increase in rainfall activity. Moderate rain is likely at a few places on July 1, while many places across the three regions are expected to receive rainfall between July 2 and July 6.

The department has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph from July 1 onwards.

Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Punjab on July 2, 3, 4 and 6. Haryana and Chandigarh are expected to receive heavy rain at isolated places between July 2 and July 6.

The IMD has warned that the wet spell may lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, traffic congestion due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, and short-term disruptions to civic services such as water and electricity supply. Damage to harvested crops left in the open is also likely.

The weather department has advised farmers not to leave harvested crops in the open and to avoid applying fertilisers and pesticides during the rainy spell. Residents have been urged to avoid venturing into waterlogged areas, stay away from rivers and other water bodies, refrain from taking shelter under trees or weak structures during thunderstorms, and drive cautiously during periods of heavy rain.

The IMD said district-wise forecasts and warnings for Punjab and Haryana have also been issued separately, and further updates will be released as the monsoon advances across the region.