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°CMay 17: 40.3°CMay 18: 42°CMay 19: 43.2°CMay 20: 44.4°CMay 21: 44.2°CMay 23: 40.6°CMay 24: 40.9°CMay 25: 42.7°CMay 26: 41.6°CMay 27: 43.1°CMay 28: 40°CJune 8: 41°C