Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh/Balwinder Singh): Parts of Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana are set to experience heatwave-like conditions between April 21 and April 23, according to an alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The warning comes shortly after the region witnessed a brief period of gusty winds and thunderstorms over the weekend.
Weather officials noted that although isolated pockets of Punjab received light rainfall in the past day, temperatures across northwestern India continue to remain well above the seasonal norm. The IMD has indicated that the warming trend is expected to strengthen further, with predominantly dry weather likely to dominate the region in the coming week.
Recent temperature readings highlight the intensity of the heat buildup. Bathinda sizzled at a maximum of 41.1°C, making it one of the hottest locations in the region, while Adampur recorded a minimum temperature of 18.4°C. Both figures are notably higher than average levels for this time of year.
Interestingly, the region has already seen above-normal rainfall this April. Between April 1 and April 19, Punjab received around 26.2 mm of rain, exceeding long-term averages. Even the broader spring period, starting from March 1, has recorded surplus rainfall. Despite this, the moisture has not been enough to counter the increasing heat.
Meteorologists attribute the shifting weather pattern to a combination of factors, including the weakening of a western disturbance system and the influence of cyclonic circulation over parts of Rajasthan. At the same time, persistent subtropical westerly jet streams continue to shape weather conditions across north India.
Forecasts suggest that Punjab is likely to remain mostly dry from April 20 to April 26, with daytime temperatures expected to rise by 2°C to 4°C. Night temperatures may also stay unusually high, adding to the overall heat stress.
Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during this period, avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak afternoon hours, stay adequately hydrated, and limit outdoor activities as much as possible. Health departments are expected to stay alert to deal with any rise in heat-related illnesses.
