Punjab on ‘Red Alert’: 5-Day heatwave incoming, mercury may hit 45°C—IMD Report

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.

Punjab under heatwave watch

• IMD Alert: Isolated areas of Punjab are expected to have heatwave conditions up to June 11, with moderate to high chances of the maximum temperature rising to 44–45°C.
• No Rain Relief: No major rainfall for Punjab has been reported by the IMD forecast for this period, extending the severe heat and dryness.
• Health Advisory: Residents are advised to shun direct exposure to the sun, particularly between 12 PM and 4 PM, drink plenty of water, and reduce their outdoor activities. Elderly people, children, and people with health issues are especially vulnerable.

North India sizzles

• Delhi: The mercury will still be above 40°C until June 14, with a clear sky and no shower forecasted.
• Uttar Pradesh: Bundelkhand and Vindhya areas experience a heatwave from June 9 to 11. There can be some relief in eastern UP after June 11 with the easterly winds.
• Bihar: Hot and humid conditions persist, with rain expected from June 10.
• Jharkhand: Light rain can occur in Ranchi and surrounding districts by evening.
• Rajasthan: Western districts are placed under a heatwave warning from June 8 to 11.
• Haryana & North Madhya Pradesh: Heatwave conditions are probable from June 9 to June 11.

Hilly states not spared

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.

IMD's precautionary measures

The IMD advises

• Staying indoors during the hottest part of the day 
• Dressing in light-colored, loose cotton clothes
• Ingesting loads of water
• Visiting frail family members and neighbors. 

Outlook

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.