Ludhiana: Residents are enduring a relentless 24-hour heat cycle as night-time temperatures in the industrial hub hit a yearly high, providing no reprieve from a blistering daytime heatwave.The mercury failed to drop below 25°C on Sunday night, marking the warmest evening of 2026 so far. With temperatures tracking significantly above seasonal norms, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a “yellow alert,” warning that while a brief respite of thundershowers is expected mid-week, the immediate forecast remains dangerously hot.Brave the blazeThe combination of intense solar radiation and elevated humidity has forced many 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 Rajguru Nagar resident who restricted his dog’s outdoor exposure to prevent heatstroke. Others reported retreating indoors by 2pm, citing a scorched landscape where even minor tasks felt draining.Meteorological officials confirmed that Sunday’s conditions met the criteria for a formal heatwave, with both day and night figures exceeding normal averages by more than four degrees.Mid-week’s forecast includes one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. Daytime maximums are expected to retreat by 2°C to 3°C following the Monday peak.
