Orange alert issued for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh: Thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hail likely

According to the IMD, these weather conditions may persist for the next two days due to an active western disturbance, and residents have been advised to remain cautious.

Haryana weather update

In Haryana, an orange alert has been issued for regions including Narnaul, Mahendragarh, Ateli, Kanina, Charkhi Dadri, Rewari, and Kosli, where moderate thunderstorms with hail, lightning, and winds of 40-60 kmph are likely.

Additionally, a yellow alert has been sounded for many other districts, with forecasts of light thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph. Affected areas include Bhiwani, Hisar, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Karnal, Kaithal, Jind, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Ambala, Panchkula, and nearby regions.

Chandigarh and Tricity region

The Tricity region—Chandigarh, SAS Nagar (Mohali), and Panchkula—is likely to experience light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. The weather conditions are likely to continue over the next 2-3 hours, with wind speeds reaching 30-40 kmph.

Authorities have advised people to avoid open areas during thunderstorms, stay away from loose structures and electric poles, and remain alert for possible disruptions caused by sudden weather changes.

Rise in minimum temperatures

The IMD has recorded a rise in minimum temperatures across Punjab and Haryana as of January 27, indicating milder night conditions in both states.

In Haryana, the average minimum temperature has increased by 4.5°C since Monday and is now 1.9°C above normal. The lowest minimum temperature in the state was recorded at 5.8°C in Gurgaon (AWS). Chandigarh recorded a minimum temperature of 10.1°C, while Ambala reported 11.5°C. Most districts across the state witnessed no rainfall during the past 24 hours, with only isolated locations reporting light precipitation.

In Punjab, the average minimum temperature rose by 3.6°C, remaining 3°C above normal. The lowest minimum temperature in the state was recorded at 7.7°C in Ludhiana. Chandigarh also recorded 10.1°C, while Amritsar reported 10.3°C and Patiala 9.2°C. Light rainfall was observed at a few places, including Amritsar (0.5 mm) and Mansa (2.5 mm), while most areas remained dry.

According to the IMD, the rise in night temperatures reflects the influence of changing weather patterns.