Heat wave conditions likely to prevail in Punjab, Chandigarh from April 21-23, IMD issues alert
PTC News Desk: After gusty winds and thunderstorms on April 19, heatwave conditions are likely to affect parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh between April 21 and 23, the India Meteorological Department said on Sunday.
Although a few areas in Punjab received very light rainfall in the past 24 hours, both maximum and minimum temperatures remained noticeably above normal, according to the IMD bulletin.
Rainfall in April has been significantly above average so far. Between April 1 and 19, Punjab recorded 26.2 mm of rain—about 134% higher than normal. Since March 1, the state has received 43.5 mm against the usual 33.7 mm, marking a 29% surplus for the spring season.
Temperature readings have also been elevated. The highest maximum temperature in the past day was 41.1°C in Bathinda, while the lowest minimum temperature was 18.4°C in Adampur. These were up to 4.5°C and 2.7°C above normal, respectively.
The IMD attributed the weather pattern to a western disturbance in the middle troposphere over the Middle East, along with an upper air cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan. Another western disturbance over north Pakistan has weakened.
Looking ahead, Punjab is expected to experience mostly dry weather from April 20 to 26, with maximum temperatures likely to rise gradually by 2–4°C. Heatwave conditions and warm nights are forecast at some places between April 21 and 23.
- With inputs from agencies
