Chandigarh Thunderstorm: Lightning Strikes, Red Alert Issued, and Weather Forecast for the Coming Days

Severe Thunderstorm and Lightning Hits Chandigarh

On Friday night, a thunderstorm struck Chandigarh, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), wind speeds reached up to 55 km/h during the storm, which swept through the city.

Orange Alert Upgraded to Red

Initially, the IMD had issued an orange alert for a thunderstorm on Thursday. However, by Friday evening, the alert was upgraded to red, signaling the potential for more intense weather activity. Despite the heightened alert, Chandigarh largely avoided the severe storm conditions experienced in Patiala, located about 73 kilometers away.

Weather System Details

IMD Chandigarh Director, Surender Paul, explained that the thunderstorm was triggered by a convergence zone formed between an active Western Disturbance (WD) and south-easterly winds. This weather system began in Tarn Taran and traveled across the width of Punjab before reaching Chandigarh. The storm was at its strongest near Patiala.

Impact on Weather and Future Forecast

Although wind speeds peaked at 55 km/h, a squall was not reported. The red alert issued by IMD was the highest warning level and urged residents to seek shelter. This was the first red alert for Chandigarh this year.

According to Paul, rain is unlikely on Saturday, with a possibility of rainfall resuming on Easter Sunday. The temperature is expected to drop due to the rain, and no new Western Disturbances are anticipated in the region for the upcoming week.

Temperature Updates

Before the storm hit, Chandigarh experienced a sunny day. The maximum temperature rose slightly from 37°C on Thursday to 37.7°C on Friday, 2.4°C above normal. The minimum temperature also increased from 20.4°C on Thursday to 21.5°C on Friday, 0.2°C above normal.

Upcoming Weather Outlook

For the next three days, temperatures in Chandigarh are expected to range between 34°C and 36°C for the maximum and between 21°C and 23°C for the minimum.