CHANDIGARH— Residents across Punjab and Chandigarh are experiencing a premature surge in summer-like conditions as daytime temperatures continue to climb well above seasonal averages. On Saturday, February 28, 2026, meteorological officials reported that the maximum temperature has jumped by another degree over the last 24 hours, now sitting approximately 4.7 degrees Celsius above the normal range. Patiala has emerged as the warmest spot in the state, recording a peak of 29.6 degrees Celsius, signaling an early departure from the winter chill.
Despite the intense sunshine, the regional weather office has noted the presence of high-speed winds known as jet streams flowing at an altitude of approximately 12 to 13 kilometres. These winds are currently traveling at a staggering velocity of nearly 200 kilometres per hour (110 knots). While the sun remains strong, cool northwestern winds blowing from the mountain ranges are expected to provide some relief from the midday heat over the next three days. Currently, a Western Disturbance is active in the northern latitudes near 35° North, influencing the atmosphere at an elevation of 5 to 6 kilometres.
Looking ahead, a fresh Western Disturbance is projected to impact the Western Himalayan region—specifically Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand—starting the night of March 2, 2026. This system is likely to bring a spell of rain or snowfall to the hills, which may subsequently alter the wind patterns in the plains of Punjab. However, until March 5, the state is expected to remain largely dry with no significant rainfall predicted for the plains.
According to Surender Paul, Director of the Meteorological Department, temperatures are likely to rise by another 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next seven days. This trajectory suggests that while the mornings and late nights will maintain a slight chill with temperatures ranging between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius, the afternoons will become increasingly hot. Maximum temperatures in the northern and eastern districts are forecasted to hover between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius, while the rest of the state could see the mercury rise to 28 degrees Celsius. Authorities have advised citizens to take necessary precautions against the strengthening solar radiation during peak afternoon hours as the dry spell persists.
