Scorching at 45°C: Heat wave makes lives miserable in Jalandhar

As the mercury soared to this season's highest at 45 degree Celsius, city residents felt inconvenienced because of an intense heat wave.

Advertisement

The traffic on roads remained thin from noon to 3 pm as people avoided going out. The lives of those working in the open, including roadside vendors, dhaba workers, labourers, fuel filling station staff and parking lot staff, remained affected. People kept their heads and faces covered to avoid direct heat.

The sale of lemon soda, lassi, mango shake, sugarcane juice, ice creams and cold drinks remained all-time high. Fruits like watermelons, musk melons and mangoes also recorded high sale. Several organisations had organised chhabeels to quench the thirst of commuters. Water parks drew a lot of rush from families as schools are off due to summer break. Swimming pools at the Gymkhana Club, HMV College, Sports College and other places have been drawing more people.

Open markets in the city like Rainik Bazaar and Model Town had a little footfall. However, malls and AC showrooms had relatively more shoppers. "Since my daughter's school is off, I had started sending her to summer camp for art. But today it was so hot, I chose not to send her out anywhere", said Seema Jain, a homemaker.

The evening was no better. The temperature at 7 pm also remained around 40 degree Celsius. The roads around some happening areas saw very thin traffic. Several people chose to keep water tubs for birds and animals outside their homes and offices to provide them some relief.

Weather experts have predicted that hot and dry weather will prevail in the region for at least four more days.