Bathinda: Thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds swept isolated parts of Punjab and Haryana on Saturday, keeping heatwave conditions at bay and pushing daytime temperatures below normal across the region, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Temperature Trends
The maximum temperatures remained markedly below normal by more than 5°C at many places in Punjab and below normal by 3.1°C to 5°C in Haryana. However, minimum temperatures stayed above normal by 1.6°C to 3°C at several places in Punjab. Maximum temperatures in most parts of the region hovered around 40°C or below.
Wind Speeds and Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms accompanied by squally winds were reported from several districts. In Punjab, wind speeds touched 68 kmph in Hoshiarpur, 65 kmph in Fazilka, 63 kmph in Bathinda, 61 kmph in Sangrur, 59 kmph in Ferozepur, 50 kmph in Pathankot, 48 kmph in Mohali and Faridkot, 44 kmph in Patiala and 43 kmph in Ropar. In Haryana, gusts reached 68 kmph in Sirsa, 54 kmph in Kaithal, 52 kmph each in Rohtak, Charkhi Dadri, Jind and Panchkula, 46 kmph in Bhiwani, Fatehabad and Karnal, and 43 kmph in Sonipat.
Weather Outlook
According to the IMD, a western disturbance and associated cyclonic circulations over north Haryana and adjoining areas are likely to influence weather conditions over the region during the coming week. Isolated to scattered rainfall is expected across Punjab and Haryana between June 13 and June 19. The weather department has also forecast isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, over parts of both states.
Regional Comparisons
Compared with Friday, Punjab recorded a fall of 2.1°C in average maximum temperatures, which were 8.2°C below normal. Faridkot recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 35.4°C. Haryana, meanwhile, recorded a rise of 0.8°C in average maximum temperatures, though these remained 4.9°C below normal. Narnaul was the hottest place in the state at 38°C.
Impact on Daily Life
Despite the respite from extreme daytime temperatures, humid conditions continued to trouble people outdoors, particularly farmers engaged in paddy transplantation. Authorities have issued advisories urging residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
