Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): After brief weather relief, Punjab is once again heading toward intense summer conditions, with the Meteorological Department warning that heatwave-like temperatures may return by the weekend. Before that, several districts are expected to witness thunderstorms and gusty winds on Thursday under a yellow alert.
The Chandigarh weather centre has issued caution for Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda and Mansa, where strong winds of up to 50 kmph, lightning activity and scattered rainfall are likely through the day.
The advisory comes a day after several parts of Punjab and Chandigarh experienced sudden evening storms that brought dust, strong winds and light showers. The changing weather caused disruption in traffic movement and minor damage in some low-lying areas.
Meteorologists said the unstable weather is being triggered by upper-air cyclonic circulation over North India, while another western disturbance is expected to approach the region from May 15. The system may bring temporary cloud cover and isolated rainfall to parts of northwest India.
Weather experts also noted favourable atmospheric conditions for the southwest monsoon to advance further over southern parts of the country around May 16, though Punjab will continue to remain under pre-monsoon activity for now.
Meanwhile, the mercury has already begun climbing. Faridkot recorded the highest temperature in the state at 43.7 degrees Celsius, while Bathinda closely followed with 43.4 degrees. Abohar also crossed the 40-degree mark.
Other major cities remained hot, with Patiala recording 39 degrees, Ludhiana 38.8 degrees, Chandigarh 38.6 degrees and Amritsar 38.5 degrees.
The department has forecast a sharp rise in daytime temperatures once the current weather system weakens. Over the next week, temperatures are expected to rise by 4 to 6 degrees, increasing the chances of heatwave conditions between May 17 and May 19 in several districts.
Officials have urged people to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid standing near trees or electric poles during strong winds, and stay protected from prolonged sun exposure as the state prepares for another spell of scorching heat.
