Yellow alert for Heatwave as scorching heat continues, Temperature Hits 42.9°C

April 24, 2026

The scorching heat continues to wreak havoc across Punjab and Chandigarh. The daytime temperature has reached 42.9 degrees a first for the season. However, the weather is expected to remain dry today, and no specific alerts have been issued. Subsequently, the Meteorological Department has issued a ‘Yellow Alert’ for a heatwave for two consecutive days April 24 and 25. An alert for lightning and thunderstorms is in effect from April 26 to April 28. Compared to Wednesday, the temperature has risen by 1.0 degree. A temperature of 42.9 degrees was recorded in Faridkot.

Western Disturbance to Reach the Hills

According to the Meteorological Department, a Western Disturbance is expected to reach the hilly regions today. However, this system is not particularly strong. While hot winds will blow during the day, the weather is set to change starting April 25. During this period, there is a possibility of dust storms and rainfall in certain areas. Consequently, this will certainly provide some relief from the heat.

Temperatures Exceed 35 Degrees

The maximum temperature in 19 locations remained above 35 degrees, while in 5 locations, the temperature soared above 40 degrees. During this period, temperatures were recorded as follows: 39.3 degrees in Chandigarh, 38.4 degrees at Chandigarh Airport, 39.0 degrees in Amritsar, 40.0 degrees in Ludhiana, 40.4 degrees in Patiala, 38.2 degrees in Pathankot, 41.0 degrees in Bathinda, 35.0 degrees in Faridkot, and 39.0 degrees in Gurdaspur.

Specifically, temperatures reached 38.5 degrees in Balowal Saunkhri (Nawanshahr), 42.8 degrees at Bathinda Airport, and a high of 42.9 degrees in Faridkot (AWS). Additionally, temperatures were recorded at 39.5°C in Abohar (Fazilka), 37.8°C in Hoshiarpur, 37.1°C in Shaleran, 37.2°C in Pathankot (KVK), 37.0°C at the Thein Dam, 38.4°C in Patiala (AWS), 37.9°C in Ropar, and 40.1°C at the Bhakra Dam (Rupnagar).

This year, the heat in April has been exceptionally intense. Let us explore three reasons behind this:

Lack of Western Disturbances
Typically, April brings clouds and cool winds descending from the mountains, keeping the weather relatively mild. However, this time around, the frequency of these weather systems has been low; consequently, the skies have remained clear, allowing direct sunlight to strike the ground and significantly intensifying the heat.

Anti-Cyclones
A specific weather system has formed over Rajasthan that exerts downward pressure on the air. This inhibits cloud formation and keeps the weather clear. Clear skies translate to increased sunlight and, consequently, higher temperatures.

Hot Winds from Pakistan
Extremely hot and dry winds are blowing in from the direction of the Thar Desert and Pakistan. These winds are reaching directly into the Punjab and Haryana regions, driving up temperatures and creating heatwave-like conditions.

Possibility of Rain from the 26th to the 28th

According to Surender Pal, Director of the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of light rainfall at isolated locations across the state between the 26th and the 28th of the month. Over the next four days, the maximum temperatures are expected to rise gradually by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius. Heatwave conditions are likely to prevail at certain places within the state on the 24th and 25th. Furthermore, on the 26th, 27th, and 28th, there is a possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds blowing at speeds of 30 to 40 km/h at various locations.