IMD Issues Orange Alert for Tricity; Heavy Rain Likely Till July 10

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) re-issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning in the tricity region—Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula—for the next two days. The alert comes following widespread damage caused by last week’s downpour, which left several parts of the region inundated.

According to IMD officials, light to moderate rain is likely at most places on July 6 and 7, while heavy rainfall (7 cm or more) is expected at isolated locations in northern and eastern Punjab, and northern, eastern, and southern Haryana, including Chandigarh, during the current spell.

The department also warned of very heavy rainfall (12 cm or more) at isolated places on July 6 and 7 in Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Ambala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ropar, and other adjoining areas.

While orange alert has been issued for Sunday and Monday, a yellow alert has been put in place for Tuesday to Thursday, indicating the possibility of continued rainfall but of lower intensity.

Saturday Stays Dry but Temperatures Fluctuate

The tricity region remained largely dry on Saturday, though moderate to heavy rain was recorded at isolated locations in Punjab and Haryana. The day temperature in Chandigarh fell slightly to 33.8°C, while the night temperature rose by 0.5°C, settling at 28.3°C. As per IMD data, the day was 0.6°C below and the night 1.7°C above normal.

The weather department has predicted partly to generally cloudy skies with the possibility of thunderstorms and rain till July 10.

Record Rainfall, Widespread Disruption

Chandigarh recorded 213 mm of rainfall in June, the highest for the month in a decade, marking a 37% increase over the average. From Sunday to Tuesday, the city received 221.2 mm of rain, which helped ease the heatwave but caused significant disruptions.

Officials have urged residents to stay indoors during heavy rain, avoid waterlogged areas, and report fallen trees or damage to civic authorities immediately. Further advisories will be issued based on updated forecasts.