Chandigarh: Punjab is likely to witness another spell of changing weather conditions as the Meteorological Department has sounded a yellow alert for rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds in three districts on Wednesday. Pathankot, Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar are expected to experience rainfall accompanied by winds blowing at speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour, offering temporary relief from rising temperatures.
Despite the alert, heat levels have shown a noticeable increase across the state. The average temperature has climbed by 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day, though it still remains 1.9 degrees below the seasonal average. Faridkot emerged as the hottest district, recording a scorching 43 degrees Celsius.
Bathinda followed closely with a maximum temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius, while Fazilka recorded 39.7 degrees. Other districts also reported warmer conditions, including Ferozepur at 37.4 degrees, Ludhiana at 36.8 degrees, Patiala at 36.7 degrees, and Pathankot at 36.6 degrees Celsius.
Cities such as Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur remained relatively cooler, with temperatures hovering between 35 and 36 degrees. Chandigarh recorded 34.6 degrees Celsius, while Mohali reported 33.4 degrees.
According to weather officials, the current conditions are being influenced by an active western disturbance over North Pakistan and adjoining regions. This system has caused fluctuations in temperature and isolated rainfall activity across parts of Punjab.
Meteorologists have also predicted that another fresh western disturbance is likely to approach northwest India from May 15. The system is expected to bring another round of showers, strong winds and cloudy conditions, which may prevent any severe heatwave-like situation in the immediate future.
Officials added that Punjab has already received around 12 per cent more rainfall than normal this month, contributing to comparatively moderate temperatures despite brief spikes in heat. Residents have been advised to stay alert for sudden weather changes, especially in districts under warning.
