Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab and Chandigarh are once again witnessing a sharp rise in temperatures, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heatwave conditions across several districts until June 11. Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours as temperatures continue to climb.
According to the Chandigarh Meteorological Centre, maximum temperatures across the state have increased by around 2.1 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours, bringing them close to seasonal averages. Bathinda recorded the highest temperature at 44.8°C, while Chandigarh registered 39.9°C.
The IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for heatwave conditions, particularly affecting districts along the Rajasthan border, including Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda and Mansa. Officials have advised people, especially children, senior citizens and those with health conditions, to avoid exposure to the sun between noon and 4 p.m. unless absolutely necessary.
The soaring mercury has also pushed up electricity consumption across the state. Power demand touched nearly 12,000 MW on Sunday, with Punjab generating over 5,200 MW and sourcing the remaining requirement from the central grid. Power authorities, however, have assured that sufficient arrangements are in place to meet the increasing demand.
Weather experts attribute the current conditions to weakening atmospheric systems, while noting that a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to become active over the Western Himalayan region from June 11 onwards. This development could bring relief in the form of light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds across parts of Punjab.
Meteorological officials have forecast that maximum temperatures may rise by another three to four degrees over the next few days before weather conditions begin to change. Between June 11 and June 13, isolated thunderstorms accompanied by winds of 40 to 50 kmph are expected in several districts.
For June 9 and 10, dry weather is likely to prevail across most parts of Punjab, with heatwave conditions expected in districts including Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga, Bathinda, Barnala, Mansa and Sangrur.
By June 11, areas such as Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar and SAS Nagar (Mohali) may witness thunderstorms and scattered rainfall, while several central and southern districts are likely to remain under heatwave conditions.
The weather department has advised citizens to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and follow official advisories until temperatures begin to ease later this week.
