Residents hoping for immediate relief from the scorching heat may have to wait a little longer, as weather forecasts indicate that significant rainfall is unlikely to return to Jalandhar before July 1-2. In addition to this, the temperatures are expected to rise steadily, pushing the mercury close to the 40°C mark by the weekend.
After recording a maximum temperature of around 36°C on Monday under clear to partly sunny skies, the residents should be ready to experience increasingly hot and dry conditions over the coming days. Forecast models suggest daytime temperatures could reach to 37°C on Wednesday, 38°C on Thursday, 39°C on Friday and peak at around 40°C on Saturday.
Night-time temperatures are also likely to escalate, hovering between 26°C and 29°C. The combination of high daytime heat and warm nights is expected to elevate discomfort levels across the city, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
Health experts advise the people to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun during peak afternoon hours, stay well hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Although isolated showers cannot be completely ruled out later this week, meteorologists believe the chances of widespread rainfall remain low. More substantial rain activity is expected only during the first week of July, when weather systems associated with the advancing monsoon are likely to become active over the region.
The temperatures could drop significantly to around 31°C, providing much-needed relief from the prevailing heat. The rainfall would also be beneficial for agriculture and could help ease the pressure on electricity demand caused by continuous use of cooling appliances.
Until then, residents should prepare for a long spell of hot, sunny and humid weather as Jalandhar heads towards one of the warmest periods of the season.
