Patiala, April 21 -- With Punjab witnessing a sudden rise in temperature, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a yellow alert (likelihood of severe weather) for heatwave in the state for the next five days. The IMD warned vulnerable-the elderly, children and people suffering from chronic diseases-to take precautionary measures and avoid prolonged sun exposure. The heatwave conditions prevailed in many major cities of the state over the past 48 hours. Heatwave is when the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40deg Celsius or more in plains and is above normal by 4.5degC to 5degC. If the temperature is 6.5degC above normal, it constitutes a severe heatwave. The maximum temperature was above normal in Punjab with Bathinda being the hottest at 41degC, IMD officials said. According to the IMD, there will be no relief from the rising temperatures over the next 7-10 days. "A gradual rise in the maximum temperature by 3-4degC is expected over the next five days," the IMD said in its bulletin. Punjab's minimum temperature has jumped by 1.1degC over the past 24 hours, making the nights warmer. Consequent upon the yellow alert, the Punjab health department on Monday issued a health advisory, appealing to the people of Punjab to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. "Heatwave conditions are very likely at many places over Punjab from April 20 to 24. We have issued a yellow alert for the next five days. People should avoid venturing out in the afternoon," said an official of the MeT. The above-quoted weather official said that the maximum temperature was markedly above normal by 4.5degC in the state. "There is no relief in sight from heatwave conditions for the next 5-7 days. People should take precautions and avoid outdoor activities, especially during the afternoon," said Surinder Paul, director of the IMD in Chandigarh. The maximum temperature settled above normal in several parts of Haryana on Monday, with Narnaul being the hottest place at 42 degrees Celsius, the meteorological office said. The maximum temperature in Narnaul was nearly 5degC above normal. Hisar recorded a maximum temperature of 39.6degC, Karnal 39.4degC, Rohtak 41.6degC, Gurugram 40.5degC, Ambala 39degC and Sirsa 40.6degC. Chandigarh's maximum temperature settled at 38.1degC, three notches above normal. Forewarning about heat maladies, the Punjab health department said people might experience vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration. "Heatstroke, heat cramps, heat syncope, dizziness and low blood pressure are common issues in such weather conditions," officials said. Dr Sumeet, nodal officer, said, "One should drink plenty of water. One should prefer ORS, lemon water, lassi, coconut water or juices which can replenish salts and minerals in the body. Avoid aerated cold drinks as they increase urine output. Outdoor movement should be avoided between 1 pm and 4 pm, if possible."...