Chandigarh: Residents across Punjab and Haryana are likely to face several more days of harsh summer conditions as the India Meteorological Department has forecast an extended spell of heatwave accompanied by strong surface winds till May 26.
The weather office has issued an orange alert for large parts of both states, warning that severe heatwave conditions may continue through the week. Officials said the most intense spell is expected between May 20 and May 21, with another strong phase likely from May 24 to May 26.
Bathinda remained among Punjab’s hottest locations, recording a maximum temperature of 46.6 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours. The district also logged one of the state’s lowest night temperatures at 23.2 degrees Celsius. Several other regions in Punjab recorded daytime temperatures significantly above normal, with deviations reaching over five degrees.
In Haryana, Rohtak emerged as the hottest district with the mercury touching 46.9 degrees Celsius. Temperatures across much of the state remained sharply above average, with unusually warm nights adding to discomfort for residents.
Meteorologists said dry weather is expected to persist across Punjab and Haryana for at least the next seven days, with little possibility of immediate relief. The worst-affected districts in Punjab are likely to include Bathinda, Faridkot, Muktsar, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, Sangrur and Patiala, while most districts in Haryana are also expected to remain under severe heat stress.
The department has urged people to avoid stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours and advised extra precautions for children, senior citizens and individuals with health conditions. Prolonged exposure to the sun could increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, officials warned.
While Punjab and Haryana continue to sizzle, some neighbouring hill states may see scattered rainfall and thunderstorms due to active weather systems over north Pakistan and adjoining regions. Parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are likely to receive light to moderate showers over the next few days, along with gusty winds in isolated pockets.
A recent climate study conducted by the India Meteorological Department and the Institute of Climate Studies has linked stronger and longer heatwaves in India to El Niño years. Researchers found that extreme hot spells have become more persistent during such periods, particularly across northern and central India.
Experts say changing wind patterns and the movement of hot desert air from western regions are intensifying the heat over the plains, especially during May and June. With no major rain-bearing system expected to influence Punjab and Haryana soon, the current scorching conditions are likely to remain firmly in place through the coming week.
