Chandigarh/Panchkula: A fierce storm swept through the Tricity on the night of April 16, 2025, leaving both relief and destruction in its wake. While it provided a much-needed respite from the heat, it also caused significant damage, toppling trees and disrupting power supply across the region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for continued rain and thunderstorms on April 18 and 19, predicting gusty winds of up to 70 kilometers per hour. Residents are bracing for the possibility of further stormy weather.
During the storm, seven trees under the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation (MC) in Chandigarh fell in various parts of the city, causing property damage but miraculously, no human casualties were reported. The MC's horticulture department worked quickly, removing all fallen trees by Thursday morning. Reports indicated that two trees fell in Sector 19, while one each was downed in Sectors 24, 16, 11, 4, and Manimajra. Approximately five trees fell in residential areas, with one tree landing on V-3, the sector dividing road of Sector 2/11, and another near the Rose Garden in Sector 16.
In addition to full trees, branches from many trees also fell during the storm, causing damage to parked vehicles and electric wires in residential neighborhoods. Power supply was disrupted in several areas due to the storm and the uprooting of trees, particularly affecting regions like Maloya and sectors 56, 48, 49, 50, 22, and 23.
Weather forecasts predict light to moderate rain for Friday and Saturday, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, with speeds reaching 50-60 km/h and potentially gusting up to 70 km/h in isolated areas. On Saturday, gusty winds are expected to decrease to 30-40 km/h. The maximum temperature in Chandigarh on Thursday was recorded at 37 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature was 20.4 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal.
As of Thursday, Chandigarh had received 8.3 mm of rainfall from 8:30 am on Wednesday to 8:30 am on Thursday, bringing the total rainfall for the month to 20.7 mm, which is 23.9% less than the normal rainfall for the season. The weather department has issued safety warnings advising residents to avoid going outside during thunderstorms, suspend farming operations, and stay indoors to protect themselves from potential hazards like flying debris and lightning.
Meanwhile, in Panchkula, the storm caused trees to fall on vehicles, with videos circulating online showing significant damage. In one notable incident, a tree crushed a Swift car, while another sedan was severely damaged by a falling tree. The weather department has warned of similar conditions and strong winds expected over the next two days.
In a broader context, north India has been experiencing a mix of weather conditions. On April 17, heavy rain and thunderstorms affected several areas, while others continued to endure a heatwave. In Himachal Pradesh, an eight-year-old boy tragically lost his life when a tree fell on a hut in Hamirpur's Barsar. The state also saw hailstorms and heavy rain, leading to power disruptions and damage to crops.
Gondla in Lahaul-Spiti recorded 1 cm of snow, while Seobagh in Kullu district received the highest rainfall at 28.8 mm, followed by Kukumseri at 23.8 mm and Narkanda at 18 mm. The IMD has issued an “orange” alert for hailstorms and heavy rain in 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh, warning residents to be prepared for severe weather.
In contrast, Rajasthan is grappling with extreme heat, with Barmer reaching a scorching 45 degrees Celsius. Other areas in the state, including Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Phalodi, also recorded temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius. The heatwave is expected to persist, with only slight relief anticipated from April 20 onwards.
In Uttar Pradesh, temperatures soared near the 40 degrees Celsius mark, with Jhansi recording a high of 42.1 degrees Celsius. The state capital, Lucknow, saw a maximum temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius, while the minimum was 25.1 degrees Celsius. The MeT department forecasts clear skies with possible rain and thundershowers at isolated locations on Friday.
As the region prepares for more storms and fluctuating temperatures, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The IMD's alerts serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns in the area, especially during this transitional season.
