Punjab to witness sweltering heat for the next 3 days, warns IMD; temperature to soar up to..

After a few days of cold wind with rainfall in some areas, Punjab and many parts of North India are all set to witness intense heat along with a heatwave. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for the people of Punjab that the next three days the state will witness a heatwave, hence, the temperature will also soar. As per IMD, Punjab will witness a severe heatwave from April 23 to April 25. The Malwa region, which includes districts such as Firozpur, Fazilka, Muktsar, Faridkot, Moga, Bathinda, Mansa, and Barnala, is expected to be most affected by the extreme heat.

Temperature of multiple regions of Punjab is likely to increase

As per the IMD Chandigarh Daily Forecast, Bathinda on April 21 was the hottest district in Punjab. Bathinda witnessed 42.1°C, Amritsar- 37.2°C, Ludhiana- 39.7°C, Pathankot- 39.1°C, Gurdaspur- 35°C, etc.

As per reports, the temperature of multiple districts and regions of Punjab will rise in the next three days. It is expected that Jalandhar's maximum temperature may touch 42°C on April 23 and 43°C on April 24. Bathinda, which has already been the hottest in Punjab, will continue to witness similar temperatures in the 40s degrees Celsius. 

Why have Punjab and another state of India started to witness intense heat?

There are multiple factors contributing to heatwaves in Punjab- 

• Delayed Western Disturbances: The absence of significant western disturbances in the region has delayed rainfall and cooling conditions. This has led to prolonged hot and dry weather, allowing hot air to accumulate over the region.
• Climate Change: Rising global temperatures are causing more frequent and intense heat waves. The IMD has noted that the northern plains of India, including Punjab, are seeing more extreme weather patterns as a result of climate change.

Health Advisory ahead of heatwave days

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Avoid outdoor activities: Limit outdoor exposure, especially between 12 PM and 4 PM when the sun is at its peak.
• Wear light clothing: Use sunscreen and wear light, loose-fitting clothes to prevent sunburn.
• Vulnerable Groups: The elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions should stay indoors to avoid heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.