Ludhiana: Residents are grappling with an unrelenting 24-hour heat cycle as night-time temperatures in the industrial hub soared to a yearly high, offering no respite from the scorching daytime heatwave.
The mercury failed to dip below 25 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, marking the warmest evening of 2026 so far. With temperatures significantly above seasonal norms, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, cautioning that while a brief spell of thundershowers is expected mid-week, the immediate forecast remains dangerously hot.
Braving the Blaze
The combination of intense solar radiation and elevated humidity has forced many residents to abandon daytime activities. Locals reported cutting short essential chores as outdoor conditions became exhausting within minutes.
“The sun was so intense I didn’t have the courage to stay out,” said Ravjot Singh, a resident of Rajguru Nagar, who limited his dog’s outdoor exposure to prevent heatstroke. Others retreated indoors by 2 p.m., citing a scorched landscape where even minor tasks felt draining.
Heatwave Conditions Confirmed
Meteorological officials confirmed that Sunday’s conditions met the criteria for a formal heatwave, with both day and night temperatures exceeding normal averages by more than four degrees.
The mid-week forecast includes one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. Daytime maximums are expected to drop by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius following Monday’s peak.
