The blistering heat wave that swept across Punjab on Sunday left residents grappling with one of the most intense days of the season. As the mercury soared to unrelenting levels, life across urban and rural pockets came to a standstill under the blazing sun. From morning till late evening, the sweltering temperatures made even basic daily activities arduous, with citizens choosing to stay indoors rather than face the punishing weather outside.
Cities like Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, and Bathinda recorded temperatures well above 44°C, with some areas reporting figures nearing the 46°C mark. The relentless heat was further compounded by dry, hot winds, commonly known as “loo,” sweeping through the region, creating hazardous conditions for outdoor exposure. For many, it felt as if Punjab had been thrust into a furnace, making survival outside air-conditioned spaces an immense challenge.
Street vendors, auto-rickshaw drivers, construction workers, and daily wage laborers were among the worst affected, as they had little choice but to remain exposed to the heat. Many of them reported fatigue, dizziness, and signs of dehydration due to prolonged exposure. Hospitals reported a slight uptick in cases of heatstroke and sunburn, while pharmacies saw a surge in sales of oral rehydration solutions and cooling aids like glucose and electrolyte powders.
In the farming communities of Punjab, the story was no different. Farmers, who usually begin their work early in the morning to avoid peak sunlight hours, struggled to maintain their routines. Livestock, too, showed signs of distress, with many being kept in the shade and given additional water to cope with the heat. Irrigation activities were delayed in many areas, and farmers voiced concern over the toll such heat would take on crop yields and water resources.
Urban life also faced severe disruptions. Roads wore a deserted look during peak afternoon hours, and markets reported lower footfall. People rushed to malls and air-conditioned stores, not just for shopping but to find temporary relief from the unrelenting heat. Restaurants and cafés witnessed increased demand for cold beverages, while electricity consumption spiked due to the widespread use of air conditioners and coolers. In many localities, the increased load led to unscheduled power cuts, causing widespread frustration and further adding to residents’ woes.
Schoolchildren and the elderly were especially vulnerable. With schools still open, many parents were seen voicing concern about children’s exposure to high temperatures, especially during school commutes. In some areas, schools revised timings or issued advisories to ensure students were protected. The elderly, particularly those with pre-existing conditions, were advised to remain indoors and stay hydrated. Health authorities issued warnings and tips to prevent heat-related illnesses, urging citizens to avoid direct sunlight, wear light clothing, and consume plenty of fluids.
Public transport services ran slower than usual, with bus drivers taking extra breaks and commuters waiting longer at bus stops, struggling under the open sky. Rickshaw pullers and cyclists had it particularly hard, often seen resting in whatever shade they could find. The heat wave also impacted delivery services, with several app-based platforms reporting delays and reduced workforce availability.
On the environmental front, the rising temperatures sparked concerns about water scarcity and declining groundwater levels. Several water bodies in Punjab, already under pressure due to limited rainfall, showed signs of further depletion. Municipal corporations faced the dual challenge of increased water demand and dwindling supply, with tankers deployed in some areas to provide relief. Environmentalists and water conservationists once again called for urgent policy-level interventions to tackle Punjab’s growing water crisis and to prepare for more frequent and severe heatwaves, a consequence of ongoing climate change.
Sunday also brought a warning from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), which placed several districts of Punjab under a heatwave alert for the next 48 hours. Meteorologists predicted little respite in the immediate future, as cloud cover remained minimal and hot, dry winds continued to dominate the weather pattern. The IMD advised people to remain indoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., the hottest part of the day, and to avoid strenuous activities during that time.
As the sun finally dipped below the horizon, providing marginal relief, the damage had already been done. Roads, walls, and rooftops radiated the day’s retained heat well into the night, making sleep difficult for those without adequate ventilation or cooling systems. Nighttime temperatures remained high, depriving residents of even the comfort of cooler evenings.
Social media was abuzz with people posting about the heat, sharing memes, weather updates, and tips to stay cool. Local influencers and even a few government departments took to platforms like Instagram and Twitter to spread awareness about heat safety measures, urging people to look out for vulnerable neighbors and to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Meanwhile, local governments began reviewing contingency plans, with district administrations being instructed to ensure the availability of drinking water at public places and medical readiness to deal with possible emergencies. NGOs and volunteers distributed free water bottles and oral rehydration salts at bus stands and railway stations, earning praise from commuters and travelers.
For many in Punjab, the extreme heat served as yet another reminder of the urgent need to adapt to a changing climate. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves in recent years have steadily increased, prompting demands for sustainable urban planning that incorporates more green spaces, better housing designs, and efficient public health response systems.
Sunday’s searing conditions were a wake-up call for everyone — from policymakers to ordinary citizens. As Punjab and other parts of North India brace for an even harsher summer ahead, preparedness, awareness, and cooperation will be essential to protect lives and reduce the impact of such extreme weather events. Until then, residents remain hopeful for a sudden change in weather — perhaps a spell of rain or a cooler breeze — to offer much-needed relief from the furnace-like heat.