Punjab and Chandigarh are currently in the grip of an unusual heat wave with the mercury rising to levels more expected in the peak summer months of April and May rather than the beginning of March. Though there is a slight nip in the air during the early hours of the morning and the evening, the sun is certainly packing a serious punch once the day begins.
Data from the Meteorological Department shows that the mercury has climbed by another 0.6°C over the last 24 hours, leaving maximum temperatures a staggering 5.1°C above the seasonal average. On Saturday, Faridkot and Bathinda were the hottest spots in the region, both recording a high of 32.3°C.
Surender Paul, the Director of the Met Office, has indicated that these bone-dry conditions are set to stick around for the foreseeable future. He noted that while temperatures should hold steady for the next four days, a "gradual rise" is expected thereafter. Residents can also expect brisk surface winds to persist across the plains until at least the 4th of the month.
Looking further ahead, the outlook for the festive season isn't much cooler. Forecasters predict that temperatures will likely hover above the 32°C mark during the Holi celebrations. With the pre-monsoon period now officially in effect, there are growing concerns that the region could be hit by early heatwaves as we move through March and into May.
Also read: Ex-sarpanch Jagmandeep Singh survives gun attack
Follow us
