Residents of Haryana and Chandigarh are grappling with intense heat once again today, June 28. Due to the lack of clear signs indicating that the southwest monsoon will reach the northwest region of India, heatwave conditions have re-emerged across Chandigarh and Haryana. In response, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for both Sunday and Monday. Significant rainfall is not expected until the end of the coming week. According to the IMD, following a period of scattered, ineffective weather warnings, the region has turned dry, leading to a steady climb in temperatures.
Rising Temperatures and Stifling Nights
On Saturday, Chandigarh recorded a temperature of 40.7 degrees Celsius, which was 4.4 degrees above normal and higher than the previous day. This trend suggests that after the brief respite seen earlier in the week, both days and nights will become progressively hotter and more uncomfortable. In Haryana, the intensification of dry continental winds has completely nullified the cooling effect from earlier sporadic showers. Consequently, the IMD has declared a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in parts of Chandigarh and Haryana for Sunday and Monday. The public has been cautioned about severe heat and discomfort during the afternoon hours, although no alerts have been issued for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Hope for Relief and Monsoon Status
The IMD predicts that relief is expected starting Thursday, when a new western disturbance and increased moisture are likely to trigger fresh thunderstorm activity across northwest India. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 39 degrees Celsius until Tuesday. Subsequently, increased cloud cover and potential rainfall could bring a drop in temperature by approximately two degrees. Officials note that the region remains outside the active monsoon belt, which explains why this area has experienced a prolonged dry heat spell even as the monsoon progresses in other parts of the country. Little relief is expected in Chandigarh and Panchkula for the next four days. Once the heatwave spell concludes, weather conditions are expected to become more pleasant by the end of the week with the arrival of storms and rain. Atmospheric conditions necessary for the northward movement of the southwest monsoon are currently still forming.
Weather Update for Himachal Pradesh
Meanwhile, rainy conditions continue across Himachal Pradesh, with a yellow alert issued for the Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts. The Shimla Meteorological Centre has forecasted light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds. Kukumseri recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 8°C. Rain is expected to persist in the higher altitude regions of the state. Minimum temperatures recorded across the state include 16.2°C in Shimla, 21.4°C in Dharamshala, 16°C in Manali, 23.5°C in Kangra, 24°C in Bilaspur, 24.1°C in Hamirpur, 23°C in Una, 21.8°C in Nahan, 22.3°C in Mandi, 20.5°C in Chamba, 18.2°C in Solan, 19.8°C in Bhuntar, 21.5°C in Sundernagar, 9.5°C in Keylong, 14.4°C in Kufri, and 28°C in Paonta Sahib.
