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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
35mm rain in two hours sinks Chandigarh's northern sectors
Concentrated rain in the northern parts of the city left the Madhya Marg and surrounding sectors inundated with knee-deep water, causing huge traffic snarls on Tuesday afternoon. The southern parts, on the other hand, barely received any rain, with the roads beyond ISBT Sector 43 going towards the eastern side of the city, remaining completely dry. Chandigarh decades-old drainage system, especially those in Sectors 1 to 30, is equipped to handle only 25 mm rain per hour. (KESHAV SINGH/HT) This reflected in the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) observatories too – the main observatory at Sector 39 recorded only trace rain (less than 0.1 mm) while the weather station installed at KBDAV School in Sector 7 logged 35 mm rain was recorded between 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm. The South Campus of Panjab University was the first to receive the rain, around 3:30 pm. In around 10-15 minutes, the North campus too witnessed heavy rainfall following which it spread to other nearby sectors, with Sector 8, 9 15 and 16 remaining the worst-affected. The underpass in Sector 17 was also completely inundated. Speaking about the localised nature of the rain, IMD Chandigarh director Surender Paul said, 'The monsoon system isn't very strong right now. During such times, the weather systems are of small size and move in the direction of higher humidity, based on topography. This leads to localised rainfall in the city.' Congress president HS Lucky, meanwhile, said, 'The city was brought to a grinding halt today after just an hour of rain. This highlights the urgent need for a complete overhaul of the city's drainage and disaster-preparedness systems.' The city's decades-old drainage system, especially those in Sectors 1 to 30, is equipped to handle only 25 mm rain per hour. Lucky hit out at the BJP-led municipal corporation, saying, ' Today rain has exposed the MC's utter failure in managing the infrastructure of a city that has been ranked second in the Swachh Survekshan.' Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chandigarh president Vijay Pal said, 'For years, the civic body has been under BJP's control. Crores of rupees from the budget went into contractors' pockets, yet the citizens received neither a robust drainage system nor a proper flood management plan. BJP has treated Chandigarh only as a vote bank, ignoring the real issues of its citizens.' Maheshinder Singh Sidhu, the councillor for Sectors 1 to 10, said, 'The unprecedented rainfall within a short span of time today was nothing short of a cloudburst and the enormous volume of water overwhelmed the storm and sewer network resulting in a deluge in the northern sectors.' Meanwhile, MC officials said that in an effort to ensure swift response and redressal of water-logging and rain-related emergencies, special flood control teams are working across the city. As per Met officials, a Western Disturbance (WD) is likely to hit the city over the weekend, raising chances of heavy rain. 2 floodgates of Sukhna opened Two of the three floodgates of Sukhna Lake were opened after the water level at the lake crossed the danger mark of 1,163 feet. This is the fifth time this season that the water has crossed the danger mark, necessitating the opening of floodgates, but the first time that two floodgates were opened in one go. This led to the Mubarakpur causeway in Dera Bassi to get completely submerged in Ghaggar river – the second time in 10 days. The causeway is a vital shortcut connecting Derabassi to Dhakoli. With its closure, commuters were forced to battle heavy jams on the main highway or take a much longer detour through Zirakpur, resulting in wastage of time and fuel. Derabassi DSP Bikramjit Singh Brar said the situation is being monitored and appealed to residents to stay away from floodwater and move to safer locations if required.
Hindustan Times
01-08-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
At 184.4 mm, Chandigarh recorded 32% rain deficit in July
The city received 184.4 mm rainfall in July, 32% below the average of 273.2 mm for the month, officials at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have revealed. This was due to weak Eastern disturbances and other meteorological conditions, they said. Visitors enjoying the breeze at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh on Thursday. (Keshav Singh/HT) While the Sector 39 observatory recorded 211.8 mm rain through the month, the Airport observatory recorded 207.5 mm. The highest single-day rainfall of 39.2 mm was recorded on the intervening night of July 30 and 31. Last year too, the city had received below average rainfall at 178.4 mm — 35% below normal. Despite the deficit, IMD has forecasted a near-normal monsoon this year, with high chances of rain in the first week of August. Met officials have also issued a yellow alert for the week, predicting heavy rain in isolated parts. Notwithstanding the rain deficit, the maximum temperature remained average through July. The highest maximum temperature recorded was 36.9°C on July 27, the lowest 'high' in the past 12 years. The average maximum temperature was 33.5°C, lower than last year's 35.8°C — the highest in a decade. The lowest minimum temperature this July was 24.3°C, on July 10, but well above the 10-year low of 21.8°C in 2020. In the last 10 years, the city has recorded surplus July rain only on three occasions – 321.4 mm in 2019, 463.1 mm in 2022 and 760.7 mm in 2023. IMD's Chandigarh centre director Surender Paul explained that the rain deficit this month was due to the weak eastern disturbances originating from the Bay of Bengal, which affect the tricity and nearby lower foothill regions such as Roopnagar. 'But the overall monsoon conditions appear to be favourable. Residents can expect intermittent rain throughout August,' he added.
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.
