Punjab Orange Alert: Hail, Storms Threaten Paddy Harvest Oct 29-30ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਓਰੈਂਜ ਅਲਰਟ: 29-30 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਨੂੰ ਗੜੇ, ਝੱਖੜ ਨਾਲ ਝੋਨੇ ਨੂੰ ਖ਼ਤਰਾ

The India Meteorological Department 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 are seeing a surge in arrivals.

What has the weather office warned?

Hindustan Times reported that a fresh Western Disturbance is behind the alert, with winds of up to 60 km per hour and hail possible on both days. The Tribune said 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.

Punjabi Tribune reported that 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. Other districts are under yellow alert. Skies were cloudy with drizzle in places from the morning, the Tribune reported, and the weather is expected to return to normal from October 31.

How could it hit farmers and mandis?

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

Procurement could also slow. Delayed harvesting would reduce fresh arrivals, and rain-soaked produce may need extra drying before it can be handled and stored. Paddy lying in the open or waiting for transport is vulnerable to moisture damage, particularly at centres where produce is awaiting lifting.

What are farmers advised to do?

The weather office has advised farmers to keep harvested crop in safe places and avoid leaving it exposed to rain. The Tribune added that farmers have been asked to protect harvested produce.

Which districts are under orange alert in Punjab?

Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Ropar, Patiala, Mohali and Fatehgarh Sahib on October 29, and Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar on October 30, according to Punjabi Tribune.

Will it hail in Punjab on October 29 and 30?

IMD has forecast isolated hailstorms in Punjab and Haryana on both days, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds.

When will the weather clear?

Reports say conditions are expected to return to normal from October 31.