Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab witnessed a short spell of weather relief as rain and gusty winds swept through several districts early Saturday, bringing down temperatures after days of intense heatwave conditions.
Cities including Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Pathankot experienced scattered showers, with strong winds reported in some pockets. The sudden change in weather offered residents temporary respite from the persistent high temperatures that have dominated the region over the past week.
Meteorologists said the rainfall activity caused a slight dip in daytime temperatures across several parts of the state. However, the cooling effect is expected to remain short-lived as heatwave conditions are likely to return over the coming days.
Chandigarh, meanwhile, continued to remain under severe heat stress despite occasional cloud movement. Several areas reported warm and dry conditions throughout the day, with only limited relief from shifting winds.
Official weather data showed Punjab’s average maximum temperature declined marginally by nearly one degree Celsius on Friday. Bathinda remained the hottest district, recording a maximum temperature of 44.6 degrees Celsius.
The Chandigarh Meteorological Centre has predicted cloud build-up over Chandigarh and adjoining Mohali, with the possibility of light showers and winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour.
Weather experts believe this system could briefly push temperatures closer to the 40-degree mark in some urban centres.
However, forecasts indicate that this break from extreme heat may end quickly. Clear skies are expected to dominate again from May 24 onward, allowing temperatures to rise steadily across the state.
By May 26, maximum temperatures in several districts are likely to touch or exceed 43 degrees Celsius once again, reviving heatwave conditions.
Authorities have urged people to remain alert and continue taking precautions, including avoiding direct sunlight during afternoon hours, drinking sufficient water and limiting outdoor activity as the state braces for another round of intense summer heat.
