Chandigarh: Punjab and Chandigarh continue to reel under severe summer conditions, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a Yellow Alert for heatwave conditions across several districts. The scorching weather has pushed temperatures to season-high levels, while forecasters expect relief in the form of rain, thunderstorms and possible hailstorms from Wednesday onward.
Bathinda emerged as the hottest location in the state after recording a maximum temperature of 46.8°C, the highest so far this June. Across Punjab, daytime temperatures remained well above seasonal averages, ranging between 40°C and over 46°C, with the overall maximum temperature standing nearly 3.8 degrees Celsius above normal.
The Meteorological Centre has warned that heatwave conditions are likely to persist in districts adjoining Rajasthan, including Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga, Bathinda, Barnala, Mansa and Sangrur. Dry weather is expected to dominate these regions for another day, prompting authorities to advise people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours.
Weather experts, however, indicate that atmospheric conditions are set to change with the arrival of a fresh Western Disturbance from June 11. The system is expected to trigger thunderstorms, gusty winds, lightning and scattered rainfall across many parts of Punjab and the Tricity region. Wind speeds could reach up to 60 kmph in isolated areas, while hailstorms may also occur in select districts.
According to officials, the southwest monsoon has not yet entered Punjab and is expected to arrive during the last week of June, subject to favourable weather developments over the coming days.
Surendra Pal, Director of the Meteorological Centre, said the prevailing heatwave could continue for the next two days before temperatures begin to decline under the influence of the approaching weather system. He added that orange and yellow alerts have been issued for different regions due to the possibility of storms, lightning and hail activity.
On June 11, several northern and central districts, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar and Mohali, are expected to witness thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds. Southern and western districts may experience a combination of heatwave conditions, storm activity and isolated hail events along with rainfall.
The weather is expected to remain unstable on June 12 as thunderstorms, lightning, hail and strong winds are likely across large parts of the state, with light to moderate rainfall forecast for many districts. Scattered showers are also expected to continue on June 13, bringing a gradual reduction in daytime temperatures and offering much-needed respite from the intense heat.
