Punjab, Chandigarh sizzle as temperatures rise 4°C above normal; Heatwave alert issued
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 26, 2026: Punjab and Chandigarh continued to reel under intense heat on Tuesday as temperatures in several cities rose 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal levels, prompting the Meteorological Department to issue a severe heatwave warning till May 27.
According to the Chandigarh Meteorological Centre, temperatures across Punjab and Chandigarh increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius during the last 24 hours. Bathinda recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 44.8 degrees Celsius, while Chandigarh registered a scorching 42.7 degrees Celsius.
Director of Chandigarh Meteorological Centre, Surinder Pal, said weather conditions are expected to remain dry till May 27, with severe heatwave conditions likely in several districts of Punjab.
He added that the maximum temperature may further rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next four days before witnessing a possible drop of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius later this week.
The Meteorological Department has also forecast light to moderate rainfall at isolated places on May 29 and 30. Thunderstorms, dust storms, lightning, and strong winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kmph are also expected in several areas between May 28 and 30.