Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh/Balwinder Singh): A fierce heatwave continued to grip Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on Tuesday, sending temperatures soaring across the region and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a four-day orange alert for severe weather conditions.
Faridkot emerged as one of the hottest places in the region, recording a scorching 47.3 degrees Celsius, while Haryana’s Rohtak followed closely at 46.9 degrees Celsius. Several other cities across both states also reported temperatures hovering around the 45-degree mark, intensifying concerns over public health and power demand.
In the national capital, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 45.1 degrees Celsius, significantly above seasonal averages, while Chandigarh registered 43.2 degrees Celsius.
Across Haryana, Sirsa touched 46.4 degrees Celsius, Faridabad recorded 46 degrees, Hisar reached 45.3 degrees, and Jind reported 45.2 degrees. Narnaul also remained under intense heat at 45 degrees Celsius.
Punjab too remained under the grip of extreme weather, with Patiala logging 45.3 degrees Celsius, Ludhiana touching 44.2 degrees, and Amritsar settling at 43.2 degrees Celsius.
Weather officials have warned that the severe conditions are likely to persist until May 25, with some pockets expected to approach the 47-degree mark. The current heat spell has been linked to hot westerly winds sweeping in from Rajasthan along with an anti-cyclonic system dominating northern India.
IMD Chandigarh director Surender Paul cautioned that prolonged exposure to direct sunlight could trigger heat-related illnesses, especially among children, senior citizens and those with existing health conditions. Residents have been advised to avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours and stay hydrated.
The orange alert indicates dangerously high temperatures and serves as a warning for possible heat exhaustion and heatstroke cases if precautions are ignored.
Meanwhile, the soaring temperatures have also pushed electricity consumption to record-breaking levels. India registered a fresh all-time peak power demand of 260.45 gigawatts on Tuesday afternoon, surpassing Monday’s previous record of 257.37 gigawatts, reflecting the growing pressure on cooling infrastructure nationwide.
While northern plains continue to bake, some relief is expected in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where light rainfall is likely over the coming days.
