Punjab is experiencing record-breaking heat this summer. The heat has been so intense that the Meteorological Department has issued a red alert in several northern states of India, including Punjab. Not only this, but the government has also announced an early onset of summer vacations in Punjab, i.e., from May 21 to June 30. But did you know, that 2024’s summer is expected to be the hottest it has been in Punjab for 46 years?
The maximum temperature in Punjab was recorded on May 21, 1978. At that time, the temperature in Amritsar was recorded to be 47.7. On this day, a record-high temperature was recorded in Punjab, which is unbroken till date.
Talking about the current conditions, Bathinda recorded a temperature of 46.3 °C on Sunday evening. Bathinda recorded an increase in temperature by 7 °C in a single day. At the same time, the temperature of Pathankot was recorded at 45.5 °C, Patiala at 45 and Ludhiana at 44.2 °C.
Along with this, Nautapa is starting from May 25. The Meteorological Department has predicted the maximum temperature in Amritsar to be around 48 °C on the same day. If this happens, the state's 46-year-old record of highest heat will be broken.
What is Nautapa?
Nautapa in India will start from May 25 this year and its effect will last till 2nd June. 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.
Nautapa starts at the beginning of Jyeshtha month. Although Nautapa lasts for 15 days, the first 9 days are the hottest. It is believed that while it brings suffering to the people, certain donations of food, water, and clothes are said to bring good fortune.
Here are the estimated temperature of cities of Punjab
Amritsar: Sunday maximum temperature was recorded at 43.9 °C. Today, the temperature is expected to cross 44 °C.
Jalandhar: The temperature of the city measured at 43.1 °C yesterday. Today, the temperature is expected to be around 44 °C.
Ludhiana: The maximum temperature of the city was recorded at 44.2 °C yesterday. Today, the temperature is expected to be around 45 °C.
Patiala: The maximum temperature of the city was recorded at 45 °C yesterday. Today, this temperature is expected to remain the same.
Mohali: The temperature in the city was recorded at 43.4 °C on Sunday. Today, the temperature is expected to be around 44 °C.