Saturday, March 29, 2025
As the intense summer phase known as Nautapa begins today, Punjab is bracing for extreme heat conditions across much of the state. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a heatwave alert has been issued in 15 districts, while 8 northern districts near the Himachal Pradesh border could see rain and strong winds.
Nautapa, which translates to “nine days of extreme heat,” begins this year on May 25, 2025, at 3:15 AM, as the Sun enters the Rohini Nakshatra in the Taurus zodiac. This astronomical alignment is believed to generate some of the hottest days of the year. The period will continue until June 2, and astrologers believe that if Nautapa days are particularly hot, it may signal a season of heavy monsoon rainfall ahead.
During this time, the Sun’s rays strike the Earth more directly and for extended hours — with nearly 14 hours of daylight daily. Many traditional practitioners consider it an auspicious time to offer water (Arghya) and prayers to the Sun, as well as donate to the needy.
On Saturday evening, the temperature across Punjab rose by 0.4°C, but a brief spell of rain and gusty winds later helped cool down some regions. Still, the overall trend remains high, with Abohar recording the state’s peak temperature of 41.1°C.
IMD has issued three kinds of alerts across Punjab:
Districts: Firozpur, Fazilka, Muktsar, Faridkot, Moga, Barnala, Bathinda, Mansa
Conditions: Extreme daytime and nighttime heat likely to persist.
Districts: Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Patiala, Sangrur, Ludhiana
Conditions: Daytime temperatures are expected to soar; caution advised for outdoor activity.
Districts: Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib
Conditions: Scattered rain and thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40–60 km/h are expected.
Amritsar: Partly cloudy; temperatures between 28°C to 42°C
Jalandhar: Partly cloudy; 29°C to 40°C
Ludhiana: Partly cloudy; 28°C to 43°C
Patiala: Partly cloudy; 28°C to 41°C
Mohali: Partly cloudy; 28°C to 41°C
With Nautapa setting in, the next nine days are expected to be crucial for both residents and farmers. Meteorologists are closely watching atmospheric developments, as any abrupt changes in planetary alignments could trigger unexpected weather shifts. While the northern districts may find relief in rain, much of central and southern Punjab must prepare for scorching conditions.
Stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary travel during peak heat hours, and keep an eye on local weather updates.
