Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab and Chandigarh are reeling under an intense heatwave, with weather officials warning that scorching conditions are likely to persist for several more days as temperatures remain significantly above normal.
The Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh has continued its yellow alert for multiple districts, cautioning residents against prolonged exposure to extreme daytime heat.
Several districts across the state are witnessing severe dry conditions, with hot desert winds from western regions pushing daytime temperatures to alarming levels.
Bathinda remained the hottest location in Punjab, where the mercury touched nearly 47 degrees Celsius, reflecting the severity of the ongoing heat spell.
Weather experts say the absence of cloud cover and inactive western disturbances are allowing uninterrupted solar heating, causing rapid warming across the plains.
Officials have noted that temperatures have risen sharply over the past 48 hours and may increase by another two to three degrees if current atmospheric conditions persist.
The heatwave has also placed additional pressure on Punjab’s power infrastructure.
Electricity demand has touched one of the season’s highest levels as households and commercial establishments rely heavily on cooling systems to cope with the oppressive weather.
Power utilities have increased procurement from external sources to meet demand and avoid disruptions.
In Chandigarh, the administration has stepped up preventive measures, advising residents to remain indoors during afternoon hours and avoid unnecessary travel.
Public buildings, offices and educational institutions have been instructed to maintain energy-efficient air-conditioning settings to reduce stress on the power grid.
Hospitals across Punjab have activated heat emergency response systems, including dedicated treatment areas for heatstroke patients.
Medical officials have urged people to stay hydrated, wear light clothing and immediately seek treatment if symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue or dehydration appear.
The school education department has also issued precautionary guidelines, ensuring children are protected from direct sunlight and outdoor activities are kept to a minimum during peak heat hours.
Meteorologists predict that heatwave conditions may intensify further between May 20 and May 24, with several additional districts expected to come under alert.
As for rainfall, forecasters say there is currently no immediate indication of significant precipitation.
Experts suggest meaningful weather relief will only arrive once a fresh western disturbance becomes active over North India, which is not expected in the immediate future.
Until then, Punjab and Chandigarh are likely to remain under a prolonged spell of punishing summer heat.
