Heat wave wrecks havoc in parts of North India, Chandigarh temperature breaks record
The weather department issued fresh warnings across North India of severe heat conditions Tuesday. Temperatures surged across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to upgrade its heat alert from yellow to orange.
The IMD warned that severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist until Sunday, with no immediate possibility of rain, thunderstorms or strong winds across the region. Weather officials said dry conditions are likely to continue for at least the next week.
Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 43.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, 4.3 degrees above the seasonal average and among the highest May temperatures recorded in the city in recent years. Nighttime temperatures also remained unusually high, with the minimum temperature settling at 25.3 degrees Celsius.
An orange alert indicates severe heatwave conditions that may continue for at least two consecutive days or persist with varying intensity for four days or more, significantly increasing health risks, particularly for people exposed to direct sunlight or engaged in strenuous outdoor work.
The weather department said the extreme conditions are expected to continue from May 19 to May 25 across Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana. Temperatures in southern and southwestern districts of Punjab and southern and western Haryana are forecast to range between 45 and 47 degrees Celsius over the next five days.
In the Chandigarh tri-city region — Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula — temperatures are expected to remain near or above 43 degrees Celsius through the weekend, potentially reaching 45 degrees Celsius by Sunday.
Faridkot in Punjab recorded the state’s highest temperature at 47.3 degrees Celsius, while Patiala reached 45.3 degrees Celsius and Bathinda recorded 45.9 degrees Celsius.
In Haryana, Rohtak registered the highest temperature at 46.9 degrees Celsius, followed by Sirsa at 46.4 degrees Celsius and Hisar at 45.3 degrees Celsius. Officials said nighttime temperatures also remained elevated, offering little relief from the intense heat.
