Chandigarh: Large parts of Punjab are set to experience another spell of scorching weather, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a heatwave warning for eight districts on Monday. Authorities have urged residents to take precautions as temperatures continue to climb and electricity consumption reaches seasonal highs.
The alert covers Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga, Bathinda, Barnala and Sangrur, where dry weather and intense heat are expected to prevail. In Pathankot, gusty winds of up to 44 kmph are also likely during the day.
Meteorological data shows that the state’s average maximum temperature has risen further and currently remains 2.3 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm. Sri Anandpur Sahib recorded the highest temperature at 44.5 degrees Celsius, while Chandigarh touched 41 degrees Celsius.
Weather experts believe the hot conditions will continue through June 10 before a fresh western weather system brings a change from June 11 onward. Several districts may witness thunderstorms, strong winds and rainfall, with hailstorms also expected at isolated locations on June 12.
The persistent heat has significantly increased electricity consumption across Punjab. The state’s power demand climbed to 14,203 MW, nearing the season’s previous peak and reflecting the heavy use of cooling appliances amid soaring temperatures. Officials, however, have indicated that adequate arrangements are in place to meet the growing demand.
As part of measures to reduce heat exposure and conserve energy, the Punjab government has revised the working hours for government offices from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm until July 15. Educational institutions are already closed for summer vacations, with schools scheduled to reopen after June 30.
According to the latest forecast, heatwave conditions are expected to extend across most districts on June 10. From June 11, thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds are likely in several northern and central districts, while rain activity is expected to become widespread across Punjab on June 12, bringing much-needed relief from the prolonged heat.
Meteorological officials have also indicated that the southwest monsoon is progressing steadily and is likely to enter Punjab by the end of June. Central districts such as Ludhiana and Jalandhar may receive monsoon showers in early July, followed by northern districts including Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Pathankot a few days later.
Residents have been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated and follow weather advisories until temperatures begin to moderate later this week.
