The scorching heat continues unabated in Punjab. An increase of 2.4 °C was recorded in the temperature on the second day of Nautapa. The temperature in Punjab was recorded to be 47.7 °C yesterday (May 26) in Faridkot. At the same time, the average temperature of Punjab was found to be 5 °C higher than normal. According to the Meteorological Department, today the temperature in Punjab cities may cross 48 °C, which means that the 46-year-old record of heat is expected to be broken today.
As per data from the Meteorological Department, the temperature in Faridkot, Punjab was recorded at 47.4 °C last evening, which is only 0.3 °C less than the temperature of May 21, 1978, the day with the highest recorded temperature in Punjab. On the said date, the maximum temperature of Punjab was recorded at 47.7 °C in Amritsar. If a heatwave prevails on the third day of Nautapa, then the 46-year-old record will be broken today.
The highest temperature recorded in Bathinda was 46.9 °C. The temperature of Patiala was recorded at 45.7 °C, Amritsar at 45.2 °C and Ludhiana at 44.8 °C.
Heatwave advisory by the Meteorological Department
The department has issued an advisory stating that it is recommended to stay indoors from 12 noon to 3 pm. Important work should be dealt with early morning and evening. People are advised to stay hydrated and drink water frequently throughout the day.
What is Nautapa?
As the name suggests, these are 9 days when the Sun is closest to the Earth. These 9 days are expected to be the hottest days, as the temperature is expected to continuously rise during these days.
According to Astrology, Nautapa is when the king of the planets, Surya Dev or Sun God enters the Rohini Nakshatra in the first month, greatly increasing the earth’s temperature.