Chandigarh: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a spell of rain and thunderstorms in Chandigarh over the coming days. The change of weather will be precipitated by a fresh western disturbance expected to affect the Himalayan region from March 14 onwards.According to a special weather bulletin issued by the Chandigarh Meteorological Centre, light to moderate rainfall is likely at isolated places in the city on March 15 and 16. The activity is expected to intensify again between March 18 and 20. The rain may be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds with speeds of around 30 to 40 kmph at isolated locations.The department said the system could also lead to fall in maximum temperature over the next few days. While no major change is expected during the next 24 hours, temperature may fall by around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius during the subsequent five days due to the anticipated weather activity.Weather observations recorded at the Chandigarh observatory show that the city remained dry during the past 24 hours. Maximum temperature was recorded at 30.1 degrees Celsius, which was around three degrees above normal, while minimum temperature settled at 15.6 degrees Celsius, about two degrees above normal. No rainfall was recorded during this period.The IMD’s five-day forecast for the Tricity region indicates partly cloudy skies with the possibility of thunderstorms or lightning on March 15 and 16. Similar conditions may return around March 18 and 19. Maximum temperature during this period is expected to range between 27 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Ce,lsius, while minimum temperatures may remain between 15 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius.
