Punjab Heatwave: IMD issues red alert as temperature soars above 45 degrees Celsius
Punjab Heatwave: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the next 48 hours across Punjab. The weather department predicted extreme heatwave conditions and stated high temperatures will continue.
The Met Office has also issued a red warning for Delhi, Haryana, and western Rajasthan, emphasising the need for "extreme caution for vulnerable people."
A severe heat wave happens when the difference from normal surpasses 6.4 notches. A heatwave occurs when a weather station's maximum temperature exceeds 40⁰C in the plains, 37⁰C in coastal areas, and 30⁰C in mountainous regions, with a departure from normal of at least 4.5 notches.
Punjab saw heatwave conditions, with temperatures rising beyond 45 degrees Celsius across the state on Saturday. Ludhiana had the highest maximum temperature in the state, at 46.1 degrees Celsius.
According to IMD officials, the heatwave was observed in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Pathankot, with severe heatwave conditions reported in Bathinda.
Several areas in northern India have been hit by extreme heatwaves, while southern India has begun to receive rain ahead of the arrival of the southwest monsoon.
According to IMD, the southwest monsoon is expected to impact Kerala on May 31. As the monsoon moves northward, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the national capital Delhi will be relieved of sweltering summer temperatures by mid-June.
- PTC NEWS
