Punjab (Gurpreet Singh): In the wake of the monsoon’s retreat, Punjab is experiencing a renewed surge in heat, with daytime temperatures pushing well beyond the usual range for late September. As the region settles into a dry spell, residents are facing a spell of unusually warm weather.
Meteorological data shows that temperatures across the state are averaging 1.8°C above normal, with districts like Mansa recording a high of 37.2°C, marking one of the hottest days of the season so far. The absence of cloud cover and rainfall has allowed heat to build up steadily over recent days.
Not only are the days scorching, but night temperatures are also higher than expected, lingering 3°C above seasonal norms. Current minimum temperatures range between 22°C and 25°C, offering little relief after sunset.
Weather experts anticipate that this trend will continue for the next few days. “We expect a further increase in temperatures by up to 2°C over the next 72 hours,” a spokesperson from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. “However, a gradual decline in temperature is forecast to begin from September 29 onward.”
While the dry heat persists, one notable shift is the drop in humidity. With lower moisture levels in the air, the muggy conditions that typically follow monsoon rains have eased, providing some comfort despite the rising temperatures.
Looking ahead, no significant rainfall is projected for the coming week, and the dry conditions are likely to dominate until early October. Authorities are urging people, particularly the elderly and children, to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during peak sunlight hours and to stay adequately hydrated.
As Punjab endures this late-season heat, residents remain hopeful for a return to more comfortable weather by the end of the month.
