Punishing Temperatures Grip Punjab's Cities
Stepping outdoors in Punjab on 17 June 2025 felt like walking into an oven. Amritsar was blasted by relentless heat, with the mercury rising to a staggering 44°C (that’s 111°F if you prefer old school metrics) while even the nighttime couldn’t cool things below 32°C. This isn’t just uncomfortable—these numbers paint a worrying picture for anyone at risk from extreme temperatures, especially seniors, kids, and those working outside.
Jalandhar wasn’t spared either. While it missed Amritsar’s peak, it still touched 43°C during the month, and specifically reached 38.3°C on 17 June. With lows brushing up against 24°C, air conditioning, if you had it, felt like a lifeline. The real kicker in both cities? A sticky combination of heatwave and humidity, with rainfall totals in Jalandhar hitting 56 mm (and Amritsar close behind), delivered through unpredictable showers that caught more than a few folks off guard.
Sunshine didn’t offer much mercy, either. Residents got hammered by nearly 12 hours of intense sunlight daily—enough to scorch bare skin in minutes and keep road surfaces smoldering well past dusk. These energy-draining days left many folks scrambling to find shade, a cool drink, or just a patch of relative comfort indoors.
Rain Offers Fleeting Relief—Precautions Still Needed
Don’t let the rain totals fool you. While 47–56 mm of rain did fall throughout June in Amritsar and Jalandhar, it came in bursts—sometimes all at once—leaving streets waterlogged and humidity levels soaring. Those 3–8 rainy days were more like minor interruptions to an otherwise relentless dry spell. At best, showers brought a couple of hours of relief before things warmed right back up. The rest of the time, it was the same story: drink water, stay indoors, and hope for clouds.
- Amritsar: Highs up to 44°C, lows of 32°C, 47 mm rain
- Jalandhar: Highs to 43°C, 56 mm rain, daily sunshine near 12 hours
- Ludhiana: No specific temperature reports for 17 June, but similar conditions expected
Ludhiana’s detailed data stayed just out of reach this time, but locals reported similar sticky, draining afternoons. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) kept a watchful eye on the evolving heatwave, urging everyone to hydrate and take it easy. No matter where in Punjab you’re checking the forecast, it’s the same story: high risk of heat exhaustion, rapid dehydration, and the constant threat of sudden downpours if you let your guard down.
This kind of weather isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a real challenge for anyone with outdoor work, limited access to cooling, or underlying health problems. Authorities are pushing out tips nonstop: stay inside during peak sunlight hours, drink water before you feel thirsty, and don’t underestimate how quickly things can turn dangerous on days like these.
