Heat returns, mercury breaches 40°C

Chandigarh: Heat made a sharp comeback in the city Monday, with the maximum temperature breaching 40°C after a 10-day respite, signalling the return of harsh summer conditions.

The day temperature rose to 41°C — two degrees above normal and the first time this June that the mercury has crossed the 40°C mark. The last such reading was recorded on May 28, before rain and cloudy weather brought temporary relief.

With temperatures set to stay at or above 40°C over the next three days, residents are unlikely to get immediate respite. The mercury is expected to touch around 42°C on Tuesday and Wednesday, easing marginally to 40°C on Thursday.

However, some relief may arrive from June 11-13, when thunderstorms and light rain are forecast, likely pulling down temperatures to 35-37°C.

The highest June temperature in recent years was recorded on June 1, 2024, at 45.8°C.

The minimum temperature stood at 25.8°C — a degree below normal — and is expected to gradually rise, hovering between 26°C and 28°C over the next five days.

A weather official said western disturbances are likely to become active again in the coming days, offering relief after the current spike in temperatures.

When mercury crossed 40°C

May 17: 40.3°C

May 18: 42°C

May 19: 43.2°C

May 20: 44.4°C

May 21: 44.2°C

May 23: 40.6°C

May 24: 40.9°C

May 25: 42.7°C

May 26: 41.6°C

May 27: 43.1°C

May 28: 40°C

June 8: 41°C