Ludhiana: A punishing heatwave is continuing to grip northern India, with a brief weekend drizzle in this city failing to cool temperatures that remain nearly four degrees above seasonal normal.The state’s industrial hub recorded a maximum daytime temperature of 39.6°C on Sunday — 3.7°C higher than the historical average — leaving residents trapped in a mix of high humidity and extreme heat.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a “yellow alert” for Ludhiana on July 1 and 2, warning of impending thunderstorms, lightning, and severe wind gusts of up to 50 kmph.While the bureau expects intermittent rain over the next six days, meteorologists warn the precipitation will offer little relief, with maximum temperatures forecast to climb even higher to 40°C by mid-week.“The morning drizzle gave us hope, but the heat and humidity returned almost immediately, making it unbearable to step outdoors,” said local resident Balbir Singh.Homemakers like Anita reported that the persistent heat had made managing households exhausting, forcing families to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours. Overnight relief also remains elusive, with minimum temperatures hovering at 29.6°C — more than three degrees above normal.
