The wait for the southwest monsoon is almost over for Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana, but residents must first endure two more days of fierce heat. Sunday was already brutal, and the forecast shows a punishing pattern: heatwave conditions through Monday and Tuesday, a brief but stormy Wednesday, and then heavy rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds from Thursday through the weekend as the monsoon makes landfall across the region.
Sunday sizzles as Faridkot and Bhiwani breach 45°C
Sunday turned out to be an exceptionally harsh day across both states. According to The Tribune, the average maximum temperature in Punjab rose a further 0.5°C over Saturday, running above normal by 2.8°C statewide. The highest maximum temperature in Punjab was a scorching 45.7°C recorded at Faridkot. In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded 45°C.
What to expect on Monday and Tuesday
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that heatwave conditions will persist across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana on Monday and Tuesday. Residents should prepare for extreme temperatures before any relief arrives.
Stormy Wednesday followed by monsoon arrival
Wednesday is expected to bring a brief but stormy change in weather. Then, from Thursday onward, the southwest monsoon is likely to make landfall across the region, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds through the weekend.
Our Take: A short-term price for long-term relief
In our view, this forecast is a classic case of "the calm before the storm" — except the calm is a heatwave. While two more days of scorching temperatures are difficult, the arrival of the monsoon from Thursday will bring significant relief. Residents should take precautions against heatstroke on Monday and Tuesday, but can look forward to a much cooler and wetter end to the week. The key takeaway is simple: stay hydrated and indoors during peak heat hours, because the rains are finally coming.