Punjab is still under the grip of a severe heatwave, with no respite in store as burning temperatures and blowing winds continue for the second day running. The unrelenting heat has seen people finding it hard to cope, forcing the authorities to put out a heatwave alert for the state.
IMD declares heatwave alert for June 9 and 10
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for June 9 and 10, predicting severe heatwave conditions in Punjab.
- Weather experts say there is little hope of relief from the intense heat in the near future, and the situation can get even worse.
Advisory: stay indoors during peak heat
- The government has given a public advisory asking individuals not to venture out between 12 PM and 3 PM unless necessary.
- In case going outdoors during these times becomes imperative, citizens are requested to take all possible precautions to safeguard themselves against the strong sun and heatstroke.
Experts attributed extreme weather to global warming
- Meteorologists and environmentalists have blamed global warming and fast climate change for the prevailing extreme weather.
- They alert that unless individuals plant more trees, things will become even riskier in the coming years.
- Specialists approximate that to restore damage from massive deforestation, a minimum of 500 million additional trees must be planted in Punjab. But if things continue as they are, it may take years to get to that number.
Key takeaways for residents
- Avoid going outside from 12 PM to 3 PM during the yellow alert.
- Drink plenty of water and take care to avoid heatstroke.
- Encourage tree plantation campaigns to combat climate change and minimize future heatwave threats.