Monsoon likely to reach city by July 1

LUDHIANA: Monsoon is expected to be on time and arrive in city by July 1.
“Monsoon had slowed down before reaching central India. But now it is proceeding at normal pace and has reached Gujarat. At this pace, it is expected to reach Punjab, including Ludhiana, by July 1. Monsoon is considered to be on time if it arrives in state between June 25 and July 7,” said Kulwinder Kaur Gill, weather expert at Punjab Agricultural University.

“In Ludhiana, the normal rainfall during the monsoon period (from June 15 to September 15) is 600 millimetres. It is expected to be normal this year too. For north-western region that includes Punjab, it is expected to be 103%,” she added.

The pre-monsoon showers, however, are likely to hit the city early next week.

A meteorological department official said, “Ludhiana may receive pre-monsoon showers around June 26.”

With no respite from scorching conditions, residents are eagerly waiting for the rains.

“I wish the rainy season arrives early to bring respite from the searing heat,” said Manpreet Kaur, a resident of Model Town.

“Even as rains bring the temperatures down, they leave the roads waterlogged. The municipal corporation should make all arrangements to ensure residents are not hassled,” said Ravi Kumar, a resident of Civil Lines.