Bathinda: Heatwave conditions persisted across Punjab and Haryana on Sunday, with warm nights adding to the discomfort. Maximum temperatures on Monday ranged between 40°C and 46°C, remaining appreciably above normal by 3.1°C to 5.0°C at many locations. Minimum temperatures hovered between 20°C and 26°C, also staying above normal by a similar margin.
Temperature Trends
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a gradual fall in maximum temperatures by 3-5°C is likely over Northwest India from April 28 to May 1. Thunderstorm conditions began developing by Monday evening as gusts reached Punjab from Ganganagar in Rajasthan. In Haryana, the highest maximum temperature was recorded at 44.4°C in Faridabad's Bopani, while Bathinda in Punjab logged 43°C.
Punjab's average maximum temperature remained above normal by 3°C, unchanged from Sunday as of 5:30 pm Monday. Haryana recorded a slight rise of 0.3°C in average maximum temperature during the same period, with temperatures appreciably above normal by 3.3°C.
Impact on Daily Life
Heatwave conditions are declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40°C in plains and 30°C in hilly regions, with a departure from normal of 4.5°C to 6.4°C. The soaring temperatures are causing hardship for farmers arriving at grain markets in Punjab and Haryana to sell their wheat crop, as well as for labourers working outdoors.
Weather Forecast
Due to a western disturbance, isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning, and gusty winds (speed 30-40 kmph) is likely over Punjab and Haryana from April 27-30 and on May 2-3. Thunder squalls (wind speed 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph) are expected on April 28 and 29.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. The IMD continues to monitor the situation and will issue updates as necessary.
