Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Residents across Punjab and Chandigarh are facing extreme weather conditions as high temperatures continue alongside warnings of thunderstorms and strong winds over the next few days.
The India Meteorological Department has sounded a yellow alert valid through April 30, highlighting the likelihood of heatwave conditions during the day and unusually warm nights. At the same time, changing atmospheric patterns may trigger thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h in several districts.
Among the hottest locations, Bathinda recorded temperatures close to 44°C, remaining well above the seasonal average. Other cities such as Ludhiana, Patiala, and Rupnagar also reported temperatures crossing the 40°C threshold, adding to public discomfort.
Weather experts noted that while parts of the state will continue to reel under intense heat, districts including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda, and Mansa may experience brief spells of rain and thunderstorms. In contrast, regions like Moga, Ferozepur, Barnala, Sangrur, and Mohali are likely to remain under heatwave influence.
The ongoing fluctuation in weather is being linked to an active western disturbance affecting northern India. This system is expected to bring temporary relief in the form of rain and a slight dip in temperatures over the coming days.
Officials have urged people to take precautions against both heat-related illnesses and sudden weather changes. While a short respite may be felt by the beginning of May, forecasters warn that temperatures could rise again soon after, prolonging the summer intensity.
