Chandigarh, April 25: A severe heat wave has tightened its grip across Punjab and Chandigarh, with mercury levels climbing nearly five degrees above the seasonal average. On Saturday, Bathinda and Faridkot emerged as the hottest spots in the region, recording a maximum temperature of 44.3°C, while Chandigarh reached 41.0°C.
The Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh has declared a yellow alert for April 25, citing both intense daytime heat and unusually warm night conditions. Experts stated that the prevailing weather has disrupted daily routines, as most districts continue to report temperatures exceeding the 40°C mark.
“Residents should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun,” a department official noted, adding that strong, hot winds are expected to persist throughout the day. The advisory specifically identified Moga, Ferozepur, and Patiala among the districts most vulnerable to these conditions.
While the heat remains intense, meteorologists affirmed that a shift is expected due to an approaching western disturbance and a cyclonic circulation over Haryana. This change is predicted to bring light to moderate rainfall across the state starting April 26.
By April 28, the department maintained that most of Punjab should see significant relief. Thunderstorms and rain are projected to lower temperatures, ending the current dry spell that has left night-time lows hovering between 22°C and 26°C.
