Heat wave scorches Punjab, Haryana and Himachal; Rohtak hottest at 46.9°C

Chandigarh/Shimla: Heat wave conditions continued across Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, with temperatures remaining well above normal in most parts of the region.Rohtak recorded the highest temperature in the region at 46.9°C, while Bathinda in Punjab registered 46.6°C. In Himachal Pradesh, Una remained the hottest place at 44°C.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum temperatures remained markedly above normal in parts of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Punjab recorded a 0.7°C rise in average maximum temperature over Tuesday, while Haryana recorded a marginal rise of 0.1°C.The IMD said heat wave to severe heat wave conditions were likely in many parts of Punjab and Haryana on May 21 and again during May 24-26. Severe heat wave conditions are also likely in parts of Punjab on May 22 and 23.In Himachal Pradesh, dry weather and absence of rainfall led to sharp rise in temperatures. Shimla recorded 30.5°C, 5.5 degrees above normal, while Sundernagar recorded 39.2°C, Kangra 39°C and Solan 36.5°C.Minimum temperatures also stayed above normal across the region.Strong winds and isolated thunderstorms were reported at some places, with gusts touching 61 kmph in Sonipat.The prevailing heat wave also affected outdoor activity, including campaigning for municipal elections and agricultural operations such as cotton sowing and direct seeding of rice.