Punjab weather: Intense heatwave sweeps across Punjab, Bhatinda records 47.6°C; power demand hits all-time high
Punjab heatwave alert: Punjab continues to reel under an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring across the state. According to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there has been a 0.3°C rise in the average temperature over the past 24 hours, pushing it 5.4°C above normal seasonal levels. The most severe heat was recorded in Bhatinda, which emerged as the hottest city in the country on Tuesday, registering a scorching 47.6°C.
Most cities in Punjab are experiencing maximum temperatures well above 43°C, triggering widespread heatwave alerts. On Wednesday, the IMD issued a heatwave warning for 18 districts across the state, cautioning residents about dangerously high daytime and nighttime temperatures. This extreme weather pattern is expected to persist until June 12, after which pre-monsoon rainfall may bring some relief.
This year marks the return of such extreme temperatures after more than a decade. The last time Punjab witnessed comparable heat was on June 1, 2012, when Amritsar also recorded 47.6°C. The capital city of Chandigarh has not been spared either, with the mercury climbing to 44°C.
According to the Chandigarh Meteorological Centre, the districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Bhatinda, Fazilka, Muktsar, and Mansa are under active heatwave conditions. In addition, heatwave-like conditions are expected in Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Barnala, Moga, Sangrur, Patiala, Mohali, and Fatehgarh Sahib.
The IMD has also issued a forecast for the coming days: June 13: Heatwave likely to persist in isolated pockets; June 14–16: Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds, lightning, and brief rain spells are expected in parts of the state.
The ongoing heatwave, coupled with the commencement of paddy cultivation, has also led to a sharp surge in electricity consumption. On Tuesday, Punjab's power demand peaked at 16,249 MW, breaking the previous two-year record. This represents an increase of 625 MW compared to Monday’s demand of 15,624 MW.
For context, on the same date in 2023, the state’s peak demand stood at 9,790 MW, while in 2024, it had increased to 11,509 MW. The highest demand recorded in June last year was 16,089 MW on June 29. Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has assured that it currently has the capacity to meet a demand of up to 16,900 MW. However, authorities caution that prolonged extreme weather could potentially lead to power outages.
- PTC NEWS
