Mercury takes a dip as Met forecasts rain in Punjab today

Light to moderate rain is expected in the region in the next 48 hours, with up to 2cm of rainfall in isolated places.

SURENDER PAUL, regional director, IMD

CHANDIGARH: With the onset of western disturbance over the region, rain is forecast in Punjab and Haryana over the weekend, leading to a dip in temperature.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) regional director Surender Paul said here, “Western disturbances were active over the region on Friday as well, which is why it was cloudy in most stations. Light to moderate rain is expected in the region in the next 48 hours, with up to 2cm of rainfall in isolated places.”

Paul said dense fog is expected in Punjab and Haryana from January 7.

Conditions will remain dry afterwards. Though the day temperature will be back to normal, the minimum temperature can fall 3 to 4 degrees below normal. Over the weekend, night temperature will rise due to cloudy conditions but a fall between 3 to 4 degrees can be expected in the day.

The IMD has warned of hailstorm at isolated places in Punjab and Haryana.

The temperature was below normal in the region because of the influence of northwesterly winds, which originate from Siberia and are cold.

The western disturbance winds, coming from the direction of Afghanistan, are comparatively warmer and will cause a minor spike in temperature, afterwards the north westerlies are expected to affect the region again, making the temperature fall further.