Ludhiana reels under intense heat

Ludhiana, May 16 (ANI): Ludhiana on Sunday continued to experience high temperature well above normal.

With the mercury hovering around 45-degree Celsius mark accompanied by unscheduled and prolonged power cuts and water crisis, the locals are having a tough time.

"It is very hot here. High temperature has made life difficult. With water crisis and prolonged power cuts , we are facing a tough time," said Virendra Singh, city dweller.

While the people have been seeking shelter in shady areas to escape the scorching sun, the roadside vendors of fruits and juices are doing brisk business.

The meteorologist at the local observatory attributed the sizzling heat conditions to the scanty rainfall.

"Both the night and day temperatures have exceeded normal temperature. The maximum temperature is four to six degree (Celsius) above normal," said K. K. Gill, a meteorologist.

As per media reports, at least 30 persons have succumbed to heat across the country this year.

Temperatures usually go up to mid-forties at many places in northern India.

The months of May and June are the hottest in the country . The temperatures hover in the range of 40 to 45 degrees Celsius in many areas.

This year the mercury started shooting beyond the 40 degrees mark in the month of April itself. (ANI)