3 min readChandigarhJun 10, 2026 05:12 PM IST
After days of scorching heat with temperatures touching 46°C in parts of Punjab and Haryana, residents may get relief soon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a significant increase in thunderstorm, squall, and hailstorm activity across the region between Thursday and Saturday. It has also issued an orange alert.
According to the IMD’s Chandigarh regional centre, heatwave conditions prevailed on Wednesday with Rohtak recording 45.9°C and Bathinda touching 46.3°C. Temperatures across large parts of Punjab and Haryana remained 3.1 to 5°C above normal. The IMD has forecast that while heatwave conditions are likely to persist on Wednesday, maximum temperatures are expected to fall by 4 to 5°C over the next four days.
For Chandigarh, the weather department has forecast light to moderate rainfall at several places on Friday and at a few places on Thursday and Saturday. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and squall winds of 60-70 kmph, gusting up to 80 kmph, are likely on Thursday and Friday, while isolated hailstorm activity is also expected on Thursday.
Similar conditions are expected across Punjab and Haryana, where thunderstorms, lightning, squalls and hailstorms are likely at isolated locations on Thursday and Friday. The IMD has also forecast light to moderate rainfall at several places during the period, signalling a major change in weather after an extended spell of extreme heat.
The IMD warned that strong winds and hail might break tree branches, cause damage from flying debris, disrupt electricity and water supply services, and damage kutcha houses, huts, and other weak structures. Traffic congestion, poor visibility, and difficult driving conditions are also likely during intense weather activity. Hailstorms could damage vehicles, windows, and asbestos-sheet roofs while posing a risk to people and livestock.
The IMD has urged people to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees, remain away from electric poles and waterbodies, and unplug electrical equipment during lightning activity. Farmers have been advised to suspend field operations during adverse weather and protect harvested crops and standing fields from strong winds and hail.
The expected spell of rain and storms is likely to provide much-needed respite from the intense heat gripping the region, although authorities have cautioned residents to remain alert as severe weather conditions may pose risks to life, property, and public infrastructure.
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