Chandigarh: Punjab and Chandigarh are likely to experience clear and dry weather on May 16, with meteorologists warning that temperatures will climb steadily over the coming days as heatwave conditions tighten their grip across several districts.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, no rainfall activity is expected across the region today. The department has also forecast a five-day heatwave spell beginning May 17, with daytime temperatures likely to rise by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius during this period.
Although maximum temperatures dipped by around two degrees compared to Friday, readings still remain close to seasonal averages and are expected to increase sharply as dry conditions persist. At present, the state’s average temperature remains around 1.8 degrees below normal.
Weather experts said conditions are also becoming favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance toward parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the southern Bay of Bengal. Meanwhile, active western disturbances over Pakistan and adjoining Jammu regions may continue influencing weather patterns across North India, though no rainfall is expected in Punjab due to weakening cyclonic activity over western Uttar Pradesh.
Across the state, only one location recorded temperatures above the 40-degree mark, while most districts remained slightly below that level.
Amritsar recorded the sharpest fall in temperature with a drop of 3.4 degrees. In contrast, Bathinda saw a slight increase of 0.5 degrees, while Chandigarh Airport registered a marginal rise of 0.2 degrees.
Temperature readings included 37.9°C in Chandigarh, 34.6°C in Amritsar, 36.8°C in Ludhiana, 38.8°C in Patiala, 35.4°C in Pathankot, 35.2°C in Faridkot, 35°C in Gurdaspur, 36.3°C in Ballowal Saunkhri, 39.2°C at Bathinda Airport and 39.9°C at Faridkot AWS.
Other key readings were 35.3°C in Fazilka, 36.2°C in Ferozepur, 34.6°C in Hoshiarpur, 36.3°C in Mohali, 35°C at Patiala AWS, 35°C at Pathankot AWS, 36.2°C in Ropar, 36.8°C near Bhakra Dam and 37°C in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Meteorological Centre Director Surender Pal said dry and mostly sunny conditions are expected to dominate for the next several days, increasing the likelihood of heatwave conditions across western and southern districts.
On May 17, isolated heatwave conditions are expected in Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda and Mansa.
By May 18 and May 19, the heatwave is likely to intensify further, affecting Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda, Barnala, Mansa and Sangrur.
The weather department has advised residents to avoid direct exposure during afternoon hours, remain hydrated and follow heat safety precautions as temperatures continue to rise across the state.
