Temp hits 42°C; rain relief ahead, says IMD

Chandigarh: With the mercury climbing to 42.1°C — three degrees above normal — the city is likely to see some relief in the coming days, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over a four-day period starting Thursday. Intermittent cloud cover and light rain or thundershowers are expected to bring short-lived respite, keeping temperatures from reaching peak heatwave levels.According to the Chandigarh Weather Observatory, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 42.1°C on Wednesday, 1 degree more than that of Tuesday, while the minimum settled at 24.8°C, two degrees below normal.The spike in maximum temperature signals a return of hot conditions after a brief spell of cooler weather earlier this month.Meteorological officials said isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds may impact parts of Haryana and Chandigarh when western disturbances interact with moisture incursion amid prevailing heat. Such systems typically offer temporary relief, though they may also lead to increased cloudiness and humidity.The outlook for Chandigarh suggests partly cloudy skies with intermittent rain and thunderstorm activity over the next five days. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover between 37°C and 42°C, while night temperatures are likely to remain in the 24°C–27°C range. Any rainfall activity may trigger a brief dip in temperatures and improve outdoor conditions.