Heat wave red alert for Punjab, Haryana

New Delhi, June 1

Scorching heat wave conditions gripped large swathes of the country today as the mercury crossed the 50-degree mark in Rajasthan’s Churu. Severe heat wave conditions are likely to prevail over Rajasthan and MP during the next five days.

The IMD has issued a “red alert” for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, with a severe heat wave expected in the next three days.  

A heat wave is usually declared when the maximum temperature remains above 45 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days. Narnaul (Haryana) sizzled at 47.2 and  Hisar at 45.6 degrees today.

In Punjab, Amritsar and Ludhiana reeled under severe heat wave conditions at 45.7 and 44.1 degrees Celsius, respectively. The Union Territory of Chandigarh sizzled at 42.4 Celsius, three degrees above normal. — PTI