The sun has turned unforgiving in Guwahati this summer, beating down relentlessly on streets teeming with life and labour. Amid the shimmering heatwaves, thousands of outdoor workers like traffic police, rickshaw pullers, street vendors, and daily-wage labourers are braving dangerously high temperatures with little more than sheer willpower and minimal protection.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city recorded highs of 38.4°C in mid-July, with “feels-like” temperatures soaring beyond 50°C due to punishing humidity.
On July 23, the city logged a maximum of 36.7°C and a minimum of 28.5°C — numbers that have become the norm across much of Assam. The IMD has warned that temperatures will likely remain 3–4°C above average in the days ahead, thanks to clear skies and intense solar radiation. To top it, the lack of rains has only exacerbated the issue.
The result is a prolonged spell of discomfort that has made life on the streets increasingly perilous — especially for those who don’t have the privilege of stepping indoors.
Just yesterday, a police constable collapsed on the road, prompting widespread concern. While many suspected heatstroke, authorities are yet to confirm the cause.
