Chandigarh: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for parts of Punjab for Thursday and Friday, October 29 and 30, 2026, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms. The warning has landed in the middle of paddy harvesting, when mandis across the state are seeing a surge in arrivals.

Source: Mirror Now

According to Punjabi Tribune reporting, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Ropar, Patiala, Mohali and Fatehgarh Sahib are under orange alert on October 29, while Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar stay under orange alert on October 30. The remaining districts are under a yellow alert.

The IMD's Chandigarh centre expects rain, thunderstorms and gusts of 40 to 60 km per hour between October 29 and 31, with hail at isolated places in Punjab and Haryana on October 29 and 30, The Tribune reported. Hindustan Times reported that a fresh Western Disturbance is behind the alert. Skies were cloudy with drizzle in places from Thursday morning, and the weather is expected to return to normal from October 31.

Source: Jugti (citing Hindustan Times, The Tribune and Punjabi Tribune)

Farm experts cited by Hindustan Times say the rain could prove ruinous for farmers who have yet to harvest. Rain and hail can damage grain, while strong winds can flatten the standing crop and make it harder to use combine harvesters, delaying field operations.

Procurement could also slow. Delayed harvesting would reduce fresh arrivals at mandis, and rain-soaked paddy needs extra drying time before it can be handled and stored. Paddy lying in the open or waiting for lifting at procurement centres is at risk of moisture damage.

The weather office has advised farmers to keep their harvested crop in safe, covered places and not leave it exposed to the rain, so that losses at fields and mandis can be limited over the next 48 hours.