The heatwave gripping the northern region has turned severe. The India Meteorological Department on Tuesday upgraded its heat warning from yellow to orange — signalling a shift from “Be Updated” to “Be Prepared” — and issued a warning extending the heatwave to severe heatwave alert for Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana through Sunday, a full week of intense heat with no rain, no thunderstorm and no gusty winds anywhere in sight.
Chandigarh’s maximum temperature on Tuesday climbed to 43.2°C — running 4.3 degrees above the seasonal normal. That single reading already exceeds the highest maximum temperature recorded in Chandigarh during the entire month of May in seven of the last 14 years, and on a date as early as May 19, it sets an ominous trajectory for the weeks ahead. The season’s heat narrative has shifted decisively: this is not normal summer anymore. Nights, too, are now warming up, with the minimum temperature touching 25.3°C — barely at the seasonal normal, having risen by 0.7°C from the previous night, the first time this season that Chandigarh’s overnight low has reached its normal value.
ORANGE ALERT: WHAT IT MEANS
The orange heat alert signals that severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist for at least two days, or that heat wave conditions with varied severity could hold for four or more days. The associated health risk is significantly elevated: increased likelihood of heat illness for those exposed to the sun for prolonged periods or doing heavy outdoor work, and high health concern for vulnerable groups — infants, the elderly, pregnant women, people working outdoors and those with heart disease or high blood pressure.
IMD’S WARNING EXTENDED, SCALE ESCALATED
IMD’s warning on Tuesday projects heatwave to severe heatwave conditions continuing over Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana from May 19 through May 25 with no large change in maximum temperatures during the next seven days. The southern and south-western districts of Punjab and the southern and western districts of Haryana are forecast to see temperatures ranging between 45 and 47°C over the next five days. The rest of Punjab and Haryana, including Chandigarh, will see temperatures in the range of 42 to 45°C. The district-wise warning maps show the orange-category “Be Prepared” heatwave to severe heatwave coverage spreading across nearly all of both states from Wednesday onwards, becoming almost total by Thursday and Friday.
FIVE-DAY TRICITY FORECAST: HEADING TOWARDS 45°C
The five-day forecast for Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula is alarming in its trajectory. Wednesday brings a maximum of 43°C and minimum of 27°C under mainly clear skies. Thursday pushes to 44°C maximum and 28°C minimum. Friday holds at 44°C maximum and 27°C minimum. Saturday stays at 44°C maximum and 28°C minimum. Sunday hits 45°C maximum with a minimum of 27°C — a figure that, if confirmed, would approach the territory of severe heatwave conditions for Chandigarh itself. Every single day is forecast as mainly clear. Not a cloud, not a drop of rain in the tricity through at least Sunday.
SEVEN-DAY OUTLOOK: ALL DRY, ORANGE HEATWAVE ALERT THROUGH SATURDAY
The seven-day forecast for Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana shows dry weather every day from Tuesday through next Monday (May 19-25). The heatwave to severe heatwave alert at a few places is in force every single one of those days for both states and Chandigarh.
PAST 24 HOURS: RECORDS TUMBLING ACROSS THE REGION
The 24-hour period ending Tuesday morning was completely dry. In Punjab, the average maximum temperature rose by 1.1°C and is now appreciably above normal by 4.6°C. Faridkot recorded the highest maximum in Punjab at 47.3°C. Patiala reached 45.3°C — a departure of 5.8°C from normal, squarely in severe heat wave territory. Bathinda touched 45.9°C. Average minimum temperatures in Punjab jumped sharply by 2.9°C and are now appreciably above normal by 3.4°C — nights are heating up fast. The lowest minimum in Punjab was 23.6°C at Bhakra Dam. Faridkot recorded a minimum of 30°C — an extraordinary night reading for the region.
In Haryana, the average maximum temperature rose by 0.9°C and is now appreciably above normal by 4.4°C. Rohtak posted the highest maximum in Haryana at 46.9°C — a departure of 6.2°C above normal, well within severe heat wave criteria. Sirsa followed at 46.4°C, Bopani (Faridabad) at 46°C, Jind at 45.2°C, Hisar and Narnaul at 45.3°C and 45°C respectively, and Patiala at 45.3°C. Average minimum temperatures in Haryana rose by 1.5°C and are now 2.3°C above normal. Bhiwani recorded a minimum of 30°C and Sirsa 29.4°C — brutal nights offering almost no respite. The lowest minimum in Haryana was 25.1°C at Yamunanagar.
Among key stations across both states, Ambala recorded a maximum of 44.4°C with a departure of 5.5°C — approaching severe heatwave conditions; Karnal 44.6°C with a departure of 5.1°C; Uchani (Karnal) 44.7°C; and Nuh 44.8°C.
CHANDIGARH SIZZLES
At Chandigarh’s weather observatory, the maximum temperature on Tuesday was 43.2°C — four degrees above the season’s normal — and the minimum was 25.3°C, exactly at the season’s normal. Maximum relative humidity was 70 per cent and minimum 36 per cent. No rainl was recorded. Chandigarh’s cumulative seasonal rainfall since March 1 stands at 105 mm — 116.5 per cent above the season’s normal — a legacy of the unusually active Western Disturbance spell of early May, which now seems a distant memory as the heat intensifies.
CHANDIGARH’S MAY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES — 2012 TO 2025
Today’s reading of 43.2°C, recorded on May 19, already surpasses the entire month’s maximum for seven of the past 14 years.
Year Highest Max (°C) Date
2025 41.7 May 16
2024 46 (all-time high) May 30
2023 43.1 May 23
2022 43.6 May 15
2021 42.1 May 28
2020 43.1 May 27
2019 43.5 May 31
2018 43.6 May 27
2017 42.5 May 27
2016 43.1 May 19
2015 43.4 May 24
2014 41.5 May 2 & 30
2013 43.8 May 24
2012 43.2 May 31
With the 5-day forecast pointing to 45°C by Sunday, the all-time high of 46°C set in 2024 cannot be ruled out.
HEATWAVE WARNING — KEY ALERTS
Yellow Alert (Be Updated): Heatwave conditions at isolated pockets persisting for 2 days. Heat is tolerable for the general public but poses moderate health risk for vulnerable groups — infants, elderly and those with chronic diseases.
Orange Alert (Be Prepared) — Currently in force: Severe heatwave likely to persist for at least 2 days, or with varied severity for 4 or more days. Increased likelihood of heat illness for those exposed to sun for prolonged periods or doing heavy work. High health concern for vulnerable people.
IMD’s current orange alert for “Heatwave to Severe heatwave at a few places” covers Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana every day from Tuesday (May 19) through Monday (May 25). Southern and south-western Punjab and southern and western Haryana face 45-47°C. The rest of both states including Chandigarh will see 42-45°C.
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY
DO’S
Drink water frequently even if not thirsty; carry drinking water when travelling; prefer natural drinks such as lemon water, lassi, chhach, jaljeera, aam panna or coconut water. Eat seasonal fruits with high water content — watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, orange, lettuce. Stay indoors in well-ventilated, cool places during peak afternoon hours. Wear thin, loose, light-coloured cotton clothes; cover the head with an umbrella or hat; keep windows and curtains closed during the day and open them at night. Keep special watch on infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, those living alone, people with heart disease or high blood pressure, and those working outdoors.
DON’TS
Avoid going out in the sun unless necessary; avoid strenuous outdoor activity in the afternoon; avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, carbonated drinks and sugary beverages as they increase fluid loss; do not eat stale food; never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
