Patiala, Feb. 28 -- An above-normal number of heatwave days are likely in Punjab during the March-May period, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its outlook for hot weather season forecast released on Saturday.

"Above-normal heatwave days are expected over most parts of the country, including West Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, south and east Maharashtra, east Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during March to May 2026," the IMD said in its bulletin.

A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature at a station reaches at least 40degC or more in the plains and is 4.5degC to 5degC above normal. A severe heatwave is declared if the temperature departure is 6.5degC or more above normal.

The IMD cautioned that during the March...