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In Chandigarh, it’s already the wettest July in 28 years
Chandigarh has recorded 413.2 mm in July so far, highest since 602.1 mm in July 1994; more in offing as weatherman forecasts moderate to intense showers up to Saturday after which there will be chances of light rain till the month-end
After 52.3 mm rain in Chandigarh on Thursday, the total rain in July this year reached 413.2 mm, which is the highest in 28 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
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As per IMD data, before this, the highest rain in the month was recorded in July 1994 when it had gone up to 602.1 mm, which is also the all-time wettest July seen by the city.
While the IMD observatory in Sector 39 maintains data from 2011 onwards, the rain recorded this July has surpassed that recorded at the airport observatory before 2011.
In the last three decades, the 481.3 mm rain in July 1993 had also gone higher than this year, but 10 days of the month are still remaining and there are chances of moderate to intense rain on Friday and Saturday.
July 2000 with 442.1 mm rain comes closest to 2022, followed by 411.1 mm rain in July 2005 and 406.5 mm in July 2010.
IMD officials said the 413.2 mm rain till July 21 was already 132% surplus than the normal amount for this period – 177.9 mm – that is obtained by taking the average of the past 30 years.
IMD Chandigarh director Manmohan Singh said, “The monsoon has remained active throughout the month, which has led to so much rain in the city. Usually, the system remains active for a few days and then it becomes dormant but that didn’t happen this year.”
Singh added that along with the monsoon, currently a feeble western disturbance was active in the region that was feeding moisture to the monsoon system and making it rain. “Chances of moderate to intense showers are likely to continue up to Saturday. After this, chances of light rain will continue in the city till the month-end,” he said.
Because of the rain, the maximum temperature dropped from 32°C on Wednesday to 29.7°C on Sunday, 4.3 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature also went down from 25.6°C to 25.3°C, but was 1.6 degrees above normal. Humidity stayed between 77% and 97%.
Over the next three days, the maximum temperature will remain around 32°C, while the minimum temperature will hover around 26°C.
Four govt schools in Kharar shut due to water logging
The heavy rain on Thursday led to water logging at four government schools in Kharar, prompting authorities to shut them.
Students were sent home amid the rain as rainwater and sewage entered school buildings.
Government Primary Smart School, Kailon, reported thigh-deep water, which flooded the corridors and rooms, including the office of the principal and staff room. Principal Balwinder Singh said realising the situation, he directed the school staff to call the parents and send the children home.
Singh said, “Our school was completely inundated, as there is no outlet for rainwater. We had raised the demand with the education department, but nothing was done. My office had almost one foot of water and thigh-deep water is accumulated in the playground. The open area behind the school building has turned into a lake.”
Similar scenes were seen at Government Primary School, Kharar; Government Model Senior Secondary School, near Kharar bus stand; and Government High Smart School, Desumajra, Kharar, which were also closed for the day.
Water logging was also reported at several colonies and housing societies in Kharar. In Dashmesh Colony, rain water entered houses and shops.
Serpentine queues of vehicles were seen on both sides of the Zirakpur flyover near Patiala crossing due to water logging, leaving commuters stuck for almost an hour.
In Chandigarh, too, different parts of Chandigarh were left inundated, including the road in front of Sector-43 ISBT, the Furniture Market Chowk near Sector 41, the Government Press Light Point, and parts of Industrial Area and Makhanmajra village.
