Chandigarh, May 18 — As Punjab and Chandigarh continue to reel under intense heat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a three-day weather alert predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and rainfall in several districts. Over the past 24 hours, the average maximum temperature in the state increased by 0.8°C, with Bathinda recording the highest at a scorching 45.2°C.
Despite clear skies today, a western disturbance is expected to influence the region from May 19 to 21, bringing relief in the form of rain and strong winds. The IMD has issued a yellow alert warning of gusty winds blowing at 40–50 km/h, accompanied by lightning and scattered showers in multiple regions.
🔥 12 Cities Record Over 40°C, Bathinda Tops Charts at 45.2°C
Punjab is experiencing a heatwave with 12 major cities recording temperatures above 40°C. Chandigarh reported 40.8°C, while Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Patiala followed closely with highs of 43°C or more. The IMD has predicted clear and dry weather for most parts of the state today, but temperatures are likely to remain high.
🌩️ Weather Forecast: May 19 to 21
May 19:
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Districts affected: Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala.
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Forecast: Light to moderate rainfall at isolated places; thunderstorms and lightning with gusty winds at 40–50 km/h.
May 20:
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Districts affected: Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar.
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Forecast: Thunderstorms, lightning, and rainfall with gusty winds (40–50 km/h) expected at scattered locations.
May 21:
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Districts affected: Firozpur, Moga, Faridkot, Bathinda, Muktsar, Fazilka, Barnala, Sangrur, Mansa.
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Forecast: Isolated showers and thunderstorms, with gusty winds at 40–50 km/h and lightning activity.
🌤️ City-Wise Weather Snapshot for Today
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Chandigarh: Clear skies; no rainfall expected. Temperature range: 25°C to 41°C.
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Amritsar: Sunny with slight temperature rise. Range: 25°C to 43°C.
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Jalandhar: Dry weather; temperatures likely between 23°C to 42°C.
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Ludhiana: Clear skies; expected range: 25°C to 43°C.
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Patiala: Dry and slightly warmer; temperature range: 27°C to 43°C.
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Mohali: No rainfall; maximum temperature expected around 42°C.
⚠️ Advisory for Residents
Residents are advised to take precautions during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor exposure during thunderstorm alerts. Farmers, commuters, and people in vulnerable areas should stay updated with local weather advisories.
The combination of scorching heat and oncoming weather activity underlines the growing unpredictability of regional climate patterns. Citizens across Punjab should prepare for sharp weather fluctuations in the coming days.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.