Chandigarh: Punjab and Chandigarh are likely to experience dry weather on Saturday, but meteorologists have warned that a prolonged heatwave is set to tighten its grip from Sunday and continue for nearly five days.
According to the Chandigarh Meteorological Centre, temperatures across the region have risen noticeably over the past 24 hours, moving closer to normal seasonal levels. Faridkot emerged as the hottest location in Punjab after recording a scorching 42.6 degrees Celsius.
Several districts have already crossed the 40-degree mark, signalling the start of a harsher summer phase. Patiala recorded 40.8 degrees, while Bathinda touched 40.6 degrees. Chandigarh reported 39 degrees, registering a clear rise from the previous day.
Other key readings included Ludhiana at 39.8 degrees, Amritsar at 38.2 degrees, Pathankot at 37.6 degrees, Rupnagar at 38.7 degrees and Hoshiarpur at 36.7 degrees.
Weather experts have issued a yellow alert, cautioning that temperatures are expected to climb steadily over the next four to five days, with several districts likely to witness severe heatwave conditions.
Officials said dry weather will dominate the state as no rainfall activity is expected in the immediate forecast period.
The department has predicted that from May 18 onward, districts such as Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda and Mansa may face strong heatwave conditions.
The impact is likely to spread further by May 19 and May 20, with districts including Ferozepur, Moga, Barnala and Sangrur also expected to come under heat stress.
Meteorologists said daytime temperatures could increase by another four to five degrees in the coming days if current weather patterns continue.
At the same time, weather systems over northern India remain weak. A western disturbance active near Jammu and adjoining Pakistan is not expected to bring significant relief to Punjab.
Forecast models indicate that the southwest monsoon may arrive in Kerala around May 26, but Punjab is unlikely to see monsoon activity before the final week of June.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours, remain hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illness as the state enters one of its hottest phases of the season.
