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Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh tricity crumbles on wettest June day in 52 yrs
With 119.5 mm rain recorded till 8.30 am on Sunday, Chandigarh saw its wettest June day since 1973 even as waterlogging, road cave-ins and tree collapses brought the tricity to its knees. Part of a road under construction near Sector 26 police lines collapses due to heavy overnight rain. (Keshav Singh/HT) India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said chances of heavy rain will continue over the next two days and issued an orange alert for Monday. As per the IMD, which started keeping records for the city in 1954, Chandigarh's wettest day ever was on June 18, 1974, when 146.4 mm rain was recorded. While June marks the onset of monsoon, it rarely sees such a downpour, which is more common in July, August and September. IMD Chandigarh director Surender Paul said there were two major reasons behind it. 'When the monsoon system is still progressing over parts of the country, the system isn't as strong as it is in the central or southern parts of the country. But this time, the system moved northwards, which affected the whole region lying in the foothills of Himalayas, including Chandigarh.' He added that a Western Disturbance (WD) was also active in the region though it wasn't very active. But combined with the monsoon system, it led to heavy rain. The IMD has sounded an orange alert for the city on Monday, which asks people to stay alert and be prepared. The downpour brought the maximum temperature down by three notches – from 33.9°C on Saturday to 30.2°C on Sunday, 6.1 degrees below normal. The minimum dropped from 23.8°C on Saturday to 23.6°C on Sunday, three degrees below normal. Over the next three days, the maximum temperature will remain between 32°C and 33°C while the minimum temperature will remain between 25°C and 26°C. Choked road gullies sink UT Like every year, Chandigarh again failed to cope with the downpour as choked gullies led to waterlogging across Madhya Marg, all internal sector roads, Chandigarh-Panchkula Road near Housing Board lights, and in Colonies No. 4 and 5. The worst-affected areas, where knee-deep water was witnessed, included the road from Attawa village to Sector 35, Sectors 43, 44, 45, Sector 22, Palsora village, Burail, and Sector 29's Iron Market. In Sector 16, water entered homes, while shops in Khejeri village and Sector 38 were also inundated. MC chief engineer Sanjay Arora said, 'I have already sought reports from the executive engineers on the waterlogging in their respective areas. Once we receive the reports, preventive measures will be planned accordingly.' According to records, the department hired only 100 workers to clean 30,000 road gullies across the city. However, residents allege that most storm drains, especially those in the southern sectors, remain uncleared. This, despite an annual allocation of ₹ 9 crore for the maintenance of the sewerage and drainage system. Satish Khosla, general secretary of the welfare association, MIG Houses, Sector 40-C, said, 'It was a flood-like situation in our sector, and this is not the first time. Every year, the authorities clean the gullies only on the main roads, neglecting V-6 (internal) roads. This causes flooding inside the sectors.' Meanwhile, two trees were uprooted in Sectors 22 and 32 due to the storm. On the Sector 22/23 dividing road, a tree fell on a wall, causing it to collapse. No injuries were reported. Fire tenders called in to pump out water in Mohali Mohali was no better with residents at many places having to call fire tenders to pump out water from the streets. The worst-hit localities were in Phase 3B2, 4, 5, 7, 11, and Sectors 70 and 71. In Phases 3B2, 4, 5, 7, and 11, water even entered homes. Roads in various parts of the Industrial Area turned into streams, with over one-ft water reported in Phases 7 and 8. Traffic jams were reported across the district due to water accumulation. The situation was equally grim in Zirakpur, Kharar, and Nayagaon, where several roads were submerged. In Nayagaon, water entered houses, causing major inconvenience to the residents. City mayor Amarjeet Singh Sidhu admitted that poor drainage infrastructure was a major concern. 'Around four months ago, we conducted a survey to identify faults in the stormwater drainage system. We need ₹ 200 crore to address these issues, but despite repeated communications, the local bodies department has not responded,' he said. He added that the survey indicated that stormwater could be diverted to choes (seasonal rivulets) in Balongi, Lakhnaur, near YPS, and Kambali. Deputy Mayor Kuljeet Singh Bedi pointed out the impact of airport road construction. 'Due to the airport road project, the natural flow of stormwater has been obstructed. We are working on channeling the water through Patiala Ki Rao to ease the situation,' he said. Former SAD councillor Surinder Singh criticized the civic body's preparedness. 'Every time it rains heavily, residents live in fear. Rainwater entering houses in most sectors shows how unprepared the authorities are,' he said. Even planned areas like Aerocity weren't spared. Vacant plots were waterlogged, prompting criticism from locals. Vinod Sharma, President of the Aerocity Welfare Society, said, 'On one hand, GMADA is penalizing plot owners for non-construction, but on the other, there's no sign of regular maintenance. Water is accumulating on nearly all vacant plots.' With monsoon rains intensifying, residents are demanding urgent intervention and long-term solutions from the administration.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Monsoon hits Gurgaon, weeklong wet spell likely
Gurgaon: Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecastshowers in the city — accompanied by thunder and lightning — starting Sunday evening, with the wet spell expected to continue for the next five days. IMD has officially declared the arrival of the southwest monsoon across the entire country on Sunday. A yellow alert has been issued for the region, urging residents to remain cautious and stay updated with official weather advisories. IMD Chandigarh director Surender Paul told TOI, "Monsoon onset in Haryana occurred between June 24 and 26, which resulted in heavy rain in Chandigarh and peripheral areas. Monsoon extended nationwide on Sunday and we expect light to moderate rain in Gurgaon and south Haryana in the next two days." You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon Paul said, "Light to moderate rain is likely at many places from July 1 to 4 and at most places on June 29 and 30 and at a few places thereafter in the state. Thunderstorms and lightning are likely on June 29 to 30 at isolated places in the state. No large change is likely in maximum temperatures during the next five days in the state. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places from July 1 to 3 in the state. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places on June 29 and 30 in the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo " The district on Sunday witnessed a cloudy sky throughout the day and isolated rainfall was observed in several pockets, while some areas remained elusive of rain. The weather is expected to bring relief from the heat, with Gurgaon recording a minimum temperature of 26.9°C and a maximum likely to range between 33.1°C and 35°C. Wind speeds during the showers may reach 30 to 50 kmph, according to IMD predictions. Maximum temperature was 35.7 degrees Celsius, 2.6 notches lower than the previous day, while the minimum temperature was 28.2 degrees Celsius, 1.3 notches lower than the previous day. The monsoon has been declared nine days ahead of its usual schedule of July 8, marking a significant meteorological milestone. The IMD bulletin said, "The Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh and Haryana and the entire Delhi today (June 29). Thus, it covered the entire country against the normal date of July 8." "The monsoon trough at mean sea level passes through Firozpur, Sonipat, Ayodhya, Gaya, Purulia, the centre of the low-pressure area over the Northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts and thence southeastwards to the northeast Bay of Bengal," it said. Meteorological data indicates a low-pressure area over Saurashtra, Kutch and adjoining south Rajasthan, with an associated upper air cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8km above mean sea level. Another cyclonic circulation lies over north Haryana and nearby regions, extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level, contributing to the unstable weather conditions. Meanwhile in Delhi, light rain on Sunday announced the arrival of the monsoon in Delhi and the seasonal phenomenon's countrywide coverage for this year. The remaining parts of India that had not seen the seasonal rain, such as parts of Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, also got rain. In Delhi, a few areas recorded very light to light rain. For Delhi, the arrival of the monsoon was two days late as June 27 is the normal date. But in cross-country coverage, the monsoon was early by nine days. "The southwest monsoon has further advanced into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, west Uttar Pradesh and Haryana and all of Delhi on June 29," said RK Jenamani, senior weather scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD). "Thus, it has covered the entire country, against the normal date of July 8." This year saw the onset of the monsoon over the entire country to be the earliest in the last five years. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue over many parts of north-west, central, east and north-east India in the next 7 days, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall over Jharkhand on June 29 and 30 and Odisha on June 29," the IMD statement said. For Delhi, the IMD had forecast the monsoon's arrival on June 24. Last year, the monsoon arrived in the city on June 25, bringing 228.1mm of rainfall in one day. That was the highest single-day precipitation in Delhi for June since 1936. However, this year, the monsoon arrived with just 5.1mm recorded at the base station, Safdarjung, till 5:30pm.
Hindustan Times
28-06-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: Weak monsoon system behind no rain over past few days, says MeT
Jun 28, 2025 08:16 AM IST Residents can expect a downpour in the next two-three days, India Meteorological Department officials said on Friday. Over the next three days, the maximum temperature will remain between 32°C and 34°C while minimum temperature will remain between 26°C and 28°C. (Keshav Singh/HT) Though monsoon was declared on June 24, the city has barely seen any rain since then. 'This is because monsoon winds and clouds were getting weakened by the time they reached the city,' said IMD Chandigarh director Surender Paul. 'This will, however, change in the next two-three days as a new system is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal around Sunday which will strengthen the monsoon system. Further, we are expecting a Western Disturbance (WD) also to affect the region around the same time. So chances of rain are likely to rise from Sunday,' he added. Amid sunny conditions, the maximum temperature rose from 36.6°C on Thursday to 37.2°C on Friday, one degree above normal. The minimum temperature rose from 26.8°C on Thursday to 29.2°C on Friday, 2.6 degrees above normal. Over the next three days, the maximum temperature will remain between 32°C and 34°C while minimum temperature will remain between 26°C and 28°C.
Hindustan Times
25-06-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
It's official, monsoon has arrived in Chandigarh
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday officially declared the onset of monsoon in Chandigarh, making it the earliest monsoon arrival in the city since 2021. On Tuesday, the airport observatory recorded 14 mm rain while the Sector 39 observatory logged trace rain (below 0.1 mm). (HT Photo) Though the announcement is usually made after two days of downpour, it has been made with just trace rain this time as there is a prediction of heavy rain over the next four to five days. On Tuesday, the airport observatory recorded 14 mm rain while the Sector 39 observatory logged trace rain (below 0.1 mm). As per the IMD, the prevailing wind systems in the region and rise in humidity levels are also taken into account while declaring monsoon. IMD Chandigarh director Surender Paul said that even though it didn't rain much in the city, one has to look at the region as a whole. On Tuesday, 71.6 mm rain was recorded in Ludhiana and 44 mm rain in Karnal. Other places in Haryana and Punjab also reported rain, which is why the IMD has declared monsoon over the region. Interestingly, monsoon has still not been declared in Delhi and this year, monsoon has reached Chandigarh before the Capital. Paul added, 'No Western Disturbance is active in the region. The rain over the past 24 hours is due to Easterly winds, which points to the monsoon system. Even humidity rose from 62% to 81% on Tuesday.' Paul said monsoon arrival was irregular this year because it has advanced more from the Eastern side than the Southern side. He said the system had been stalled for over two weeks but was still able to reach the city before the normal date. 'This time the normal date was June 26 and despite being held up for two weeks, a system formed over the Arabian Sea which helped it progress significantly over the past few days.' Earliest onset since 2021 In 2021, monsoon was declared on June 13 itself. Interestingly, that year, after the declaration of monsoon, no rain was recorded throughout the month and rains started only in July. Since 2015, this is the second fastest onset of monsoon tied with 2020 when it was declared on June 24. Explaining the significance of an early onset, Paul said, 'Naturally, with more days, we can expect more rain during the monsoon this year. Although other factors are also involved, an early onset of monsoon usually points to good spells of rain till the end of the monsoon which is in September.' As per Paul, chances of rain are the highest on Thursday and Friday. A fresh Western Disturbance is also likely to affect the region from June 28 which can lead to more rain. The maximum temperature of the city dropped from 35.6°C on Monday to 34.1°C on Tuesday, 3.4 degrees below normal. The minimum dropped from 28.4°C on Monday to 27.4°C on Tuesday, which is normal. Over the next three days, the maximum temperature will remain between 30°C and 31°C while the minimum will remain between 26°C and 27°C.
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh starts countdown as MeT predicts monsoon by Tuesday
By Rajanbir Singh , Chandigarh Jun 23, 2025 08:22 AM IST The monsoon system is set to reach the city by Tuesday as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This comes even as the system has advanced into parts of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh but is yet to reach the city. Over the next three days, the maximum temperature will remain between 32°C and 34°C while minimum temperature will remain between 26°C and 27°C. (HT Photo) IMD Chandigarh director Surender Paul said, 'The monsoon system has advanced from the Eastern side. It had already entered Himachal Pradesh which is why it reached parts of Ladakh and even Jammu and Kashmir before reaching the city.' He added that if current conditions persist, the onset of monsoon is expected in the city by Tuesday. Monsoon is declared when the monsoon system enters the region and it rains continuously for two days as a whole. The prevailing wind systems in the region are also taken into account as most of the monsoon rains are brought by Easterly winds. Another sign is when humidity starts to rise. This year's onset is likely to be earlier than last year, when it was declared on July 1. Meanwhile, no rain was recorded in the city on Sunday even as pre-monsoon showers had started on Friday itself. As per Paul, these rains are dependent on the Easterly winds which accompany the monsoon system. The maximum temperature dropped from 36.9°C on Saturday to 34°C on Sunday, 3.5 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature rose slightly from 27.8°C on Saturday to 27.9°C on Sunday and was 0.3 degrees above normal. Over the next three days, the maximum temperature will remain between 32°C and 34°C while minimum temperature will remain between 26°C and 27°C.
