Chandigarh records humidity brings discomfort, illness

CHANDIGARH: The consistently high humidity level of over 85% has been making life miserable for city residents since one week. For three days in a week, the humidity level was over 90%. On Wednesday, the maximum relative humidity was at 89% while the minimum was 62%. The maximum temperature, which was 34.8 degrees celcius on Wednesday, is also increasing with each passing day.
The meteorological department has predicted that the humidity will remain close to 90% in the coming days. ‘‘Moderate to heavy rains are expected in the next two to three days, but till then, the humidity will be on the rise. Scattered rains are expected on Thursday though it will not alleviate the discomfort,’’ said met department director Surinder Pal. However, providing some relief, he said the rising humidity levels indicate that moderate to heavy rainfall is round the corner.
Meanwhile, doctors in the Tricity have been receiving many cases of uneasiness, mild fever, etc due to such weather conditions.
‘‘Humid weather allows disease-causing bacteria and viruses to proliferate and multiply rapidly. Consequently, the rate of infection has increased, mainly in children and the elderly,’’ said Dr S K Bhandari, who has worked with the department of medicine, Government Multi-Speciality Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16.
Professionals and schoolgoing children are the worst affected by these unusual weather conditions. ‘‘Weather is quite muggy these days, humidity is high, making everything sticky and wet. It was difficult to sit inside the car in the parking area,’’ said Sanchin Sahni, a software professional.
‘‘My son has been complaining of itches since the last two days. I went to the doctor who said such conditions will persist till it rains,’’ said Prabha Mahajan, a resident of Sector 15.
The met department has predicted a cloudy sky on Thursday, which may bring in a slight relief.
However, the maximum temperature and humidity level are expected to rise.