Punjab-Chandigarh on Orange Alert: Hail, thunderstorms, strong winds expected
Babushahi Bureau
Mohali (Punjab), April 7, 2026: The weather in Punjab and Chandigarh is set to change, with thunderstorms and hailstorms expected in several areas today and tomorrow. Winds are predicted to blow at speeds of 40–50 km per hour, prompting the Meteorological Department to issue an orange warning. Many parts of the state may also experience rainfall.
Currently, the average maximum temperature in Punjab has risen by 1.3°C but remains 1.6°C below normal, with the highest recorded temperature at 32.5°C.
The change in weather comes after a western disturbance reached the mountains, affecting almost all districts in the state. According to the Meteorological Department, 13 districts may see hailstorms and thunderstorms, while the remaining districts are likely to experience thunderstorms and lightning.
Thunderstorm Alerts: Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala, and Mohali.
Rain and Hailstorm Alerts: Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Bathinda, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala, and Mohali.
A western disturbance is active near Jammu and Kashmir, acting like a cyclone in the upper atmosphere and influencing weather patterns. A trough at a height of 1.5 km is further intensifying these changes. Another western disturbance is expected from April 11, which may increase rainfall, thunderstorms, and cloudiness across northwest India.
Authorities have warned that crops could be damaged due to the severe weather. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has stated that many crops have already been affected, and the government will conduct surveys to ensure farmers are adequately compensated.