One of Sukhna Lake’s three floodgates was opened for the second time this monsoon on Thursday morning as 31.8 mm rain was recorded in the city overnight, taking the lake level close to the danger mark. The gate was kept open for around two hours to release excess water before being closed as the level receded.
The previous opening this monsoon was on August 30.
Yellow is the second of the four coloured warning system used by IMD, asking people to stay updated. Expecting the switch in weather, IMD had already issued a yellow warning for rain for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, while dry weather is likely to return from next week. The 31.8 mm rainfall was brought about due to a shift in the monsoon axis, with the system expected to remain over the region through Saturday and Sunday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The rain brought down the maximum temperature from 34.7°C on Thursday to 31°C on Friday, 2.1 degrees below normal, while the minimum temperature fell from 24°C to 22.8°C, three degrees below. Over the next three days, the maximum temperature is expected to climb to anywhere between 35°C and 36°C, and the minimum may hover between 24°C and 25°C. The average rainfall for the month is 131.4 mm.
light to moderate showers are not unusual during the month While September is the last monsoon month. Despite the latest showers, the IMD’s long-range forecast indicates that rainfall in September is likely to remain below normal.
The lake’s floodgates were opened a record nine times last year, compared with two openings so far this monsoon, reflecting the rainfall deficit recorded in Chandigarh and adjoining states.
