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Scorching Heatwave Meets Stormy Threat
22 May
Summary
- Extreme heatwave continues, with thunderstorms and duststorms expected.
- Chandigarh recorded its second-highest May temperature at 44.2°C.
- Nights offer little relief as minimum temperatures continue to climb.
The severe heatwave gripping Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh is forecast to continue unabated, with an orange alert for extreme heat extended until next Wednesday. This prolonged period marks at least a nine-day stretch of severe heatwave conditions. Adding a new layer of complexity, the India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for thunderstorms, duststorms, lightning, and gusty winds of up to 50 kmph in isolated areas of Punjab for Thursday and Friday.
Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 44.2°C on Thursday, making it the second-highest May reading in the city since 2012 and surpassed only by the all-time high of 46°C set earlier in May 2026. Minimum temperatures are also rising, with warm nights officially declared in isolated pockets of both states, providing little respite to residents.
The region faces a dual threat of ongoing severe heatwave conditions and potential hazardous convective activity, including dust squalls and lightning. These conditions can reduce visibility and increase the risk of falling debris. Forecasters indicate that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions will affect many places across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana from Sunday through next Wednesday.
While the forecast for the coming days includes isolated rainfall in Punjab on Thursday and Friday, overall dry weather is expected across both states. Temperatures are predicted to see only a modest, temporary dip over the weekend before the heat reasserts itself. Significant breaks in the intense heat are not anticipated in the coming week.
