City feels May singe as heatwave rages on

Ludhiana: With day temperature shooting up to 43 degrees Celsius, stepping outdoors in the city on Thursday was both uncomfortable and perilous. The meteorological department has forecast heat wave to severe heat wave in Ludhiana in the next few days.Even the partly cloudy sky could not mellow the effect of the rising mercury. According to the meteorological department, maximum (day) temperature in the city was 4.2 degrees Celsius above normal but 1.1 degrees less than a day before.Minimum (night) temperature was recorded at 27.4 degrees Celsius, 3.1 degrees above normal and 0.4 degree more than a day before.The meteorological department has issued an orange alert for the district for the next four days, predicting heat wave to severe heat wave conditions. An orange alert indicates severe weather conditions and advises people to remain prepared for possible disruptions and health risks.Day and night temperatures are expected to be above normal for the next five to six days.As sweltering heat was witnessed in Ludhiana, it did restrict movement of many people.QuotesWe avoid stepping out in the afternoon unless it is absolutely necessary. Even short distances feel exhausting, and the hot winds make it difficult to remain outdoors for longGurpreet Singh | BRS NagarIt has become very difficult to keep children indoors. They get restless staying inside all day, but the weather outside is too harsh for them to play safelyNeha| DugriThe scorching heat has badly affected business during the daytime as customers prefer staying indoors to avoid the extreme weather. Usually, the markets remain busy throughout the day, but now there is very little movement until late eveningRaj Kumar| Shopkeeper, Field GunjCan be added as box:Box 1: Blistering May in LudhDate | Day temperatureMay 15 | 36.8May 16 | 39.8May 17 | 41.6May 18 | 42.2May 19 | 44.2May 20 | 44.1May 21 | 43Box 2:Date | Likely Day temperatureMay 22 | 43May 23 | 43May 24 | 44May 25 | 44May 26 | 44