Chandigarh Scorches at 43.8°C: First Official Heatwave Hits the City in 2025
Chandigarh experiences its first heatwave of 2025 as temperatures skyrocket to 43.8°C. IMD issues yellow alert; heat likely to worsen before weekend rain brings possible relief.
Heatwave Grips Chandigarh for the First Time This Year
After a relatively mild May, Chandigarh finally felt the full wrath of summer on Monday. The city recorded a blazing 43.8°C, its highest temperature of the year, officially marking the first heatwave of 2025. The jump from Sunday’s 42.1°C came with a heatwave alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as the mercury surged 5 degrees above normal.
What Triggered – This Sudden Temperature Spike?
For weeks Chandigarh stayed cool due to cloudy skies , scattered showers but all that changed abruptly. Clear skies returned and along with them, dry westerly winds from Rajasthan began sweeping in. These hot gusts combined with a dominating anti-cyclonic system trapped heat over the region sending the temperature soaring.
IMD Issues Yellow Alert, Orange May Follow
IMD’s director Surender Paul confirmed that a yellow alert has been issued, with an orange alert possibly on the way. He noted that the temperature might climb another degree higher in the next few days, pushing Chandigarh closer to 44.5°C. That could make this week the hottest stretch of the year so far.
Nights Stay Warm As Well
While the days have become scorching, the nights haven’t offered much relief either. The minimum temperature dipped slightly from Sunday’s 28.9°C to 28°C, but that’s still above normal by 1.6°C. The combination of high day and night temperatures has left residents restless and uneasy.
Relief on the Horizon: Rain Likely This Weekend
Though the heatwave will likely stretch through the workweek, meteorologists hint at some comfort ahead. A Western Disturbance is expected to impact the region by Saturday, possibly bringing thunderstorms and light rain, especially across Himachal Pradesh with a spillover cooling effect for Chandigarh too.
City’s Heat History Shows 2024 Was Worse
Last year had started off much harsher. On June 1, 2024, Chandigarh hit 45.8°C, a record for the month. And on May 31, the city recorded its all-time high of 46.7°C. Compared to that, 2025 seemed merciful until now.
Stay Cool- Stay Safe
With the sun blazing overhead health officials are urging people to avoid outdoor exposure during peak hours and stay hydrated. As the city braces for even more heat the only hope lies in the weekend breeze.