Ludhiana: A severe heatwave has forced residents indoors as temperatures in the industrial hub soared past 42°C, prompting meteorologists to issue a yellow weather alert.Clear skies and intense sunshine pushed Sunday’s maximum temperature nearly three degrees above seasonal norms. The India Meteorological Department warns conditions will deteriorate further over the next three days, with daytime highs expected to peak at 44°C.The heatwave has drastically altered daily life in the city, emptying streets during peak afternoon hours.“As the heat intensified, it became quite difficult to step out,” local resident Manpreet Kaur said. “We preferred staying indoors and only ventured out when it was unavoidable.”Health concerns are also rising alongside the mercury. Bipin Gupta, a resident of the city’s Sherpur area, said families are actively shielding vulnerable relatives from heat-related illnesses.“With the temperature rising sharply, we are making sure to stay hydrated,” Gupta said. “People are ensuring that small children don’t step out during peak times when the risk of sun injury is highest.”Overnight conditions offered little relief, with minimum temperatures hovering at a stifling 26.2°C. Local authorities have been urged to prepare for adverse weather conditions as the yellow alert remains in place for the next 48 hours.
