Chandigarh: A severe heat wave alert has been issued across Punjab and Chandigarh as temperatures continue to rise sharply due to hot and dry winds coming from the western and southwestern regions. The Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh has issued a yellow alert for heat wave conditions till May 24.

According to the weather department, 10 districts of Punjab are likely to face intense heat wave conditions today. The impact is being felt most strongly in the Malwa region due to hot winds originating from the desert areas of Rajasthan and Pakistan.

On Monday, temperatures across Punjab increased by 2.3 degrees Celsius and remained 3.1 degrees above normal. Bathinda recorded the highest temperature in the state at 47 degrees Celsius.

Power Demand Surges as Heat Intensifies

The rising temperatures have also led to a sharp increase in electricity demand across Punjab. On Monday, power demand touched 13,555 MW for the first time this season. By 5 p.m., the demand reduced to 12,000 MW and further dropped to 10,174 MW by 7 p.m.

Punjab’s own power generation capacity stands at around 4,500 MW, forcing the state to purchase nearly 9,000 MW electricity from the central pool to meet the growing demand.

Chandigarh Administration Issues Heat Advisory

In view of the extreme heat, the Chandigarh administration has advised people to avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours. Special medical staff have been deployed in hospitals to deal with heat-related emergencies.

Government departments, schools, malls, hotels and major commercial establishments have been instructed to maintain air conditioner temperatures between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius to reduce excessive power consumption.

Heat Stroke Wards Set Up in Hospitals

Special “heat stroke wards” have been established in all government and recognised hospitals across Punjab. Authorities have directed hospitals to ensure round-the-clock availability of essential medicines and ORS packets for patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.

Residents can seek medical help by calling the state health helpline number 104.

Schools Asked to Protect Children From Extreme Heat

The Chandigarh administration has also issued a heat safety advisory for government, aided and private schools. Schools have been instructed to protect children, especially pre-primary and primary students, from direct exposure to sunlight during school hours.

Outdoor activities and sports have been advised only during cooler parts of the day or in shaded areas. Schools have also been directed to ensure proper drinking water facilities and maintain water coolers to keep students hydrated.

Parents and school authorities have been asked to remain alert for signs of heat-related illnesses and seek immediate medical care if needed.

Heat Wave Likely in 22 Districts Over Next Three Days

According to the Meteorological Centre, heat wave conditions are expected to continue from May 20 to 23 in 22 districts, including Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Rupnagar and SAS Nagar (Mohali).

Experts Explain Reason Behind Rising Temperatures

Dr. Shivinder Singh from the Meteorological Centre, Chandigarh, said the ongoing heat is mainly due to clear skies and the absence of rainfall activity or any Western Disturbance.

“Our rainfall activity has ended and skies are mostly clear. Due to strong sunlight and lack of cloud cover, temperatures are rising rapidly and may increase by another 2 to 3 degrees in the coming days,” he explained.

Monsoon Expected Between June 30 and July 5

The Meteorological Centre stated that the monsoon usually reaches Punjab through both the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea branches.

The Bay of Bengal branch enters Punjab through eastern districts such as Patiala, Mohali and Rupnagar after passing through Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Meanwhile, the Arabian Sea branch enters southern and western Punjab districts including Bathinda, Fazilka and Ferozepur after crossing Rajasthan.

Officials expect the monsoon to arrive in Punjab between June 30 and July 5 this year. However, rainfall during the season is likely to remain below normal.