Gurpreet Singh :- Temperatures across Punjab and Chandigarh have started rising again after recent relief from heat, though conditions remain below normal for this time of the year. The maximum temperature on Friday increased by around 0.8 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day. However, temperatures are still nearly five degrees below average, reducing the chances of a heatwave for now.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, weather conditions are expected to remain clear and dry on May 9 and 10. A fresh change in weather is likely from May 11 onwards, with the department issuing a yellow alert for thunderstorms, gusty winds and rainfall across several parts of Punjab till May 14.
Bathinda remained the hottest district in the state with a maximum temperature of 38.1 degrees Celsius. Despite the gradual rise, temperatures across Punjab are still below the 40-degree mark. Pathankot recorded 35.8 degrees, Faridkot 36 degrees, Fazilka 36.3 degrees and Ferozepur 35.4 degrees Celsius.
Among major cities, Chandigarh recorded 33 degrees Celsius, while Amritsar and Patiala registered 33.6 degrees each. Ludhiana recorded 33.5 degrees, Gurdaspur 34 degrees, Mohali and Hoshiarpur 32.5 degrees, and Sri Anandpur Sahib 34.3 degrees Celsius.
The weather department said a cyclonic circulation remains active over central Pakistan and adjoining areas of Punjab and Rajasthan. In addition, a long trough extending from Haryana to Bangladesh is influencing weather conditions across north India.
Meteorologists have also predicted a fresh western disturbance over the western Himalayan region from May 10, which could further impact weather patterns in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and strong winds are likely in several districts during this period.
Meteorological Centre Director Surender Pal said temperatures may rise by around two degrees during the next 48 hours before dropping again by 3 to 4 degrees following rainfall activity.
The department has warned that districts including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa, Rupnagar and Mohali may witness winds blowing at speeds of 30 to 40 kmph on May 11 and 12. Thunderstorms and lightning are also expected in some areas.
Residents have been advised to avoid open spaces, tall trees and electric poles during adverse weather conditions. Authorities have also urged farmers and commuters to stay updated with weather advisories over the coming days.
