A severe heatwave has pushed temperatures well above seasonal averages across Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana on Monday, according to meteorological officials. However, relief is in sight as weather forecasters predict an incoming spell of rain and high-altitude snow that is expected to cool the mountainous state starting Tuesday.
Hottest Spots in Punjab and Haryana
Bathinda recorded the highest temperature in Punjab, while Sirsa was the hottest in Haryana. Chandigarh, the common capital of both states, also experienced its hottest day of the season so far. Other cities such as Faridkot, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Patiala all recorded temperatures above normal levels.
In Haryana, Rohtak, Narnaul, and Hisar registered their respective seasonal highs, while Gurugram also felt like a hot plate under the scorching sun. The regional meteorological centre in Shimla reported that both daytime and nighttime temperatures in Himachal Pradesh had exceeded seasonal averages at most monitoring stations on Sunday.
Relief on the Horizon
Amid this warming trend, forecasters have predicted relief for Himachal Pradesh starting from Tuesday. A fresh weather system is expected to bring light rain to the low and mid-hills, along with light snowfall across the state's highest peaks through May 24. This change is anticipated to provide much-needed respite from the unseasonal warmth.
The heatwave has significantly affected major tourist hubs in Himachal Pradesh, where unseasonably high minimum temperatures offered little overnight relief. In contrast, the high-altitude remote stations of Lahaul and Spiti continued to log the state's lowest temperatures, highlighting the stark regional variations within the mountainous state.
