Severe Heatwave Grips Parts of Punjab and Haryana, Red Alert Till May 23
Parts of Punjab and Haryana are reeling under severe heatwave conditions as temperatures soar past 44°C, with Mewat hitting a scorching 47.2°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red alert’ for ‘severe heatwave conditions at many places’ until May 23, noting that the maximum temperature departure from normal exceeds by 5.3 notches.
In Haryana, Sirsa recorded a blistering maximum of 47°C, while Sonepat saw the mercury rise to 46.4°C. Meanwhile, in Punjab, Bathinda experienced the highest temperature at 46.4°C.
IMD Chandigarh director AK Singh expressed concerns, stating that there’s no immediate relief in sight. He highlighted the unprecedented nature of this weather pattern, emphasizing that continuous five-to-seven-day red alert warnings in Punjab are uncommon.
The districts of west Malwa, particularly Fazilka, Muktsar, and Bathinda, are expected to be the hardest hit by the severe heatwave over the next five days. Additionally, some parts of the Majha region, including Amritsar and Tarn Taran, will also endure sweltering heatwave conditions.
With dry weather persisting in the region, IMD officials anticipate further temperature spikes, with the maximum temperature in the western Malwa region likely to reach 47 or 48°C in the coming days. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe amidst the intense heatwave.
