The city was lashed by fresh spells of rain on Tuesday, while adjoining rural pockets witnessed hailstorms accompanied by gusty winds, disrupting normal life across parts of the district. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city recorded 16 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm, with intermittent showers continuing into the evening. Areas including Mullanpur Dakha and Dehlon reported hail till late evening.
The IMD had issued an orange alert for hail, thunderstorms and gusty winds for the district, though no rain alert has been sounded for the coming days. A yellow alert for fog, however, remains in force till January 30.
Agricultural experts said the weather is unlikely to harm the standing wheat crop as it has not yet entered the flowering stage. Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) wheat expert Dr GS Mavi said hail and strong winds pose a threat only after the crop develops the ear head, when plants become vulnerable to lodging.