The Malwa region of Punjab continues to reel under an intense heatwave, severely disrupting normal life and forcing residents indoors. Bathinda and its adjoining areas witnessed blistering sunshine and severe heatwave conditions from early Wednesday morning, turning busy marketplaces and city roads nearly deserted by the afternoon.
To combat the gruelling heat, residents were seen seeking shade and turning to cold beverages for relief.
According to the official report from the Regional Research Centre of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Bathinda, the maximum temperature on Wednesday hovered between 44.4°C and 45°C, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 23.6°C. The combination of soaring temperatures and dry, hot winds has created desert-like conditions across the district.
With the sharp rise in afternoon temperatures, residents are preferring to schedule their essential outdoor chores during the relatively cooler morning or evening hours. Health experts and doctors have urged the public, especially children and the elderly, to take special precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid direct exposure to the sun.
The severe weather has also started taking a heavy toll on the agricultural sector. Local farmers expressed deep concern over the drying up of paddy nurseries and other seasonal crops, which now require constant irrigation.
Farmers reported that inconsistent and erratic power supply has severely affected irrigation schedules. They have urged the state government to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the morning or evening hours to help sustain crops during the peak heat period.
The domestic sector is facing a similar crisis. As electricity demand surged due to the continuous use of cooling appliances, several residential areas reported frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations.
On a brighter note, street vendors selling sugarcane juice, lemonade, lassi, and ice cream witnessed brisk business, with long queues of heat-stricken residents visible along major city roads throughout the day.
