Mercury hovers around 45°C, no respite on cards

Ludhiana: There was little relief from the scorching sun as the mercury almost touched 45°C in Ludhiana on Monday. And according to the meteorological department, the temperature might rise further in the coming days.
At 44.4°C, the maximum temperature in Ludhiana on Monday was 4.8 degrees above normal. On Sunday too, mercury had touched 44.0°C. The minimum temperature on Monday was 27.4°C, which was 2.6 degrees above normal, but 3.1 degrees less than a day before.


The data of recent years suggested that this is for the first time since June 2019 that the city has witnessed such a high temperature in the month. In June 2019, highest maximum temperature was recorded on June 11 at 45.5°C. Last year, the highest day temperature in June was at 43.2°C, recorded on June 10.
Manomohan Singh, director, meteorological department, said the heat wave conditions are expected in Ludhiana in the next three to four days and the maximum temperature is expected to rise in the next two to three days. He said there are remote chances of weather disturbance till June 10.
He advised people to avoid going out in the sun between 11.30am to 4pm, when the heat wave is at its peak.
The department website said the maximum temperature is expected to be 45°C on Tuesday, 44°C on Wednesday and Thursday before falling to 42°C by Saturday whereas the minimum temperature is expected to rise to 29°C by Wednesday, drop to 28°C before rising again to 29°C on Thursday.
Meanwhile, residents had a difficult time battling heat wave. “Weather has been keeping very hot for the last few days and hot air that blows during the day has made things worse. I have made certain changes in my schedule. I do outdoor work in the morning and evening hours and stay put during the day,” said Manoj Kumar, a trader from Chandigarh road. He said he doesn’t allow his children to go out during the day.