IMD red alert for Punjab and Haryana: temperature may rise to 45-46°C over next 5 days

Maximum temperatures over parts of southern and western Haryana and Punjab are very likely to remain around 45-46°C over the next 4-5 days. Similarly, temperatures over the northern parts of Haryana and Punjab, including Chandigarh, are expected to range from 42-44°C. This will result in the continuation of prevailing heatwave to severe heatwave conditions over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh from May 20 to May 23. Severe heatwave conditions are highly likely in a few places over southern and western parts of Haryana and Punjab during this period, where maximum temperatures could reach 46-47°C.

In Punjab, a heatwave to severe heatwave is expected to persist for the next five days until May 24 in several districts such as Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda, and Mansa, while it will remain in effect in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Moga, Faridkot, and Barnala from May 21 to May 23. In the rest of Punjab, it will occur from May 19 to May 20.

In Haryana, Mahendergarh, Rewari, Gurugram, Mewat, Palwal, Faridabad, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, and Charkhi Dadri will experience severe heatwave conditions from May 19 to May 23, while the remaining parts, which are already under a heatwave, will face severe heatwave conditions from May 21 to May 23.

IMD officials suggest avoiding prolonged exposure to sun especially during peak hours, staying hydrated, wearing lightweight, light-colored loose cotton clothes, covering your head using cloth, a hat, or an umbrella, etc.

It is important to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, including dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, and fainting.