Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab and Chandigarh are likely to witness a completely dry day on May 16, with weather officials warning that temperatures are expected to rise steadily over the next few days as a fresh heatwave spell begins from May 17.
The Chandigarh Meteorological Centre said there is no forecast of rain or thunderstorms across the state today. Skies are expected to remain mostly clear, allowing daytime temperatures to climb gradually and pushing several districts closer to heatwave conditions.
Although maximum temperatures dropped by nearly two degrees compared to the previous day, readings remain near seasonal averages and are projected to rise by another 3 to 4 degrees during the next five days.
Meteorologists said atmospheric conditions are currently favourable for the southwest monsoon to move further into the Andaman Sea and parts of the southern Bay of Bengal. However, Punjab is unlikely to receive any immediate rainfall as the cyclonic circulation over western Uttar Pradesh has weakened significantly.
A western disturbance remains active over areas near Pakistan and adjoining Jammu region, but its effect on Punjab is expected to remain minimal for now.
Among major cities, temperatures stayed below 40 degrees in most areas, though a few pockets came close to breaching the mark. Chandigarh recorded 37.9 degrees Celsius, while Ludhiana registered 36.8 degrees and Patiala touched 38.8 degrees.
Amritsar remained comparatively cooler at 34.6 degrees after recording one of the sharpest temperature drops in the state. Bathinda Airport registered 39.2 degrees, while Faridkot AWS touched 39.9 degrees, making it one of the hottest locations.
Other readings included 35.4 degrees in Pathankot, 35 degrees in Gurdaspur, 36.2 degrees in Ferozepur, 34.6 degrees in Hoshiarpur, 36.3 degrees in Mohali and 37 degrees in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
According to weather experts, isolated heatwave conditions are likely to begin on May 17 in districts including Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa and Faridkot.
The heat is expected to spread further on May 18 and 19, affecting larger parts of western and southern Punjab, including Barnala, Sangrur, Moga and Ferozepur.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, avoid stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours, drink adequate water and follow safety guidelines to minimise the impact of extreme heat expected through the coming week.
