
Punjab and many states of North India are preparing for a harsh heatwave as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a high alert for the ensuing five days. Following a brief pre-monsoon rain spell, the climate has become dry and hot, and Punjab's temperatures are likely to rise to as much as 45°C in a few districts during June 9-11.
Not even the hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are spared the unusual heat. But parts of Himachal are due for a drizzle between June 12 and 13, which could bring relief for a while.
The IMD advises
As the southwest monsoon still has to hit Punjab and there are no showers in the short-term forecast, people should keep their guard up and take official health guidelines to avoid heatstroke or other heat-related ailments. The coming few days will prove to be trying for Punjab and most of North India as the region faces one of the severest bouts of summer so far.