A severe heatwave gripped parts of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, while Punjab and Haryana continued to experience rising temperatures and uncomfortably warm nights. On Sunday, maximum temperatures across the region ranged between 40°C and 45°C.
Temperature Anomalies
Daytime temperatures were sharply above normal by up to 5.1°C in many areas of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Night temperatures ranged from 20°C to 26°C, remaining 3.1°C to 5°C above normal.
Weather Forecast
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum temperatures across northwest India are likely to see no significant change until April 28. A gradual fall of 3°C to 5°C is expected on April 29-30, followed by a rise of 2°C to 3°C on May 1-2.
Heatwave conditions are likely in isolated parts of Punjab and Haryana on April 27. Warm night conditions may persist in isolated pockets of Haryana.
Recorded Temperatures
The highest maximum temperature recorded was 43.7°C at Bathinda in Punjab and 44.2°C at Narnaul in Haryana. Compared to Saturday, Punjab recorded a fall of 0.4°C in average maximum temperature by 5:30 pm on Sunday, remaining appreciably above normal by 3.3°C. Haryana also saw a fall of 0.4°C, with temperatures 3.6°C above normal.
Impact on Daily Life
The rising temperatures are causing hardship for farmers arriving at grain markets in Punjab and Haryana to sell wheat, as well as for labourers working outdoors.
Definition of Heatwave
Heatwave conditions are declared when maximum temperatures exceed 40°C in plains and 30°C in hilly regions, with a departure from normal of 4.5°C to 6.4°C.
Upcoming Weather Change
Under the influence of a western disturbance, isolated to scattered light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph, is likely over Punjab and Haryana between April 27 and May 2.
