Gurgaon at 41°C, Faridabad hottest at 42.9°C, heatwave to intensify

Gurgaon: The city recorded a maximum temperature of 41°C on Tuesday, a notch higher than Monday’s 40°C, while Faridabad logged the state’s highest reading at 42.9°C despite a 0.4°C dip in the state’s average maximum temperature.The city’s minimum temperature was 23.5°C on Tuesday, a slight rise from Monday’s 22°C. IMD has forecast a 3-5°C rise in maximum temperatures over the next five to six days. At present, heatwave conditions are expected at isolated places in Haryana till April 24, along with warm night conditions in some areas.Bhiwani recorded a maximum temperature of 42.5°C and Narnaul 42°C, while Sirsa also touched 41°C. Hisar (39.6°C) and Karnal (39.5°C) remained just below 40°C, pointing to widespread heat stress. Overall, temperatures are around 1.8°C above normal, IMD data shows.The Met department said dry weather is likely to persist over the next five days, with only isolated light rain expected later in the week. A fresh western disturbance may affect the western Himalayan region from April 23, but its impact over Haryana is expected to be limited.With both day and night temperatures rising, officials warned of increasing heat stress, particularly in urban centres like Gurgaon and Faridabad, where built-up areas tend to retain heat.A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature crosses 40°C and is at least 4.5°C above normal. If the departure exceeds 6.4°C, it is classified as a severe heatwave.Doctors in Delhi-NCR are already seeing a surge in heat-related illnesses. According to Dr Shivanshu Raj Goyal, associate director and unit head, pulmonology, respiratory and sleep medicine at Max Hospital, “Cases have risen by over 20% in the past week, driven by high temperatures, dry winds and lack of overnight relief. Patients are reporting dehydration, exhaustion, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, abdominal pain and, in severe cases, heatstroke. While many are treated on an outpatient basis, hospitalisations are rising among outdoor workers, the elderly and children.”Doctors advise residents to stay hydrated, avoid stepping out between 11 am and 4 pm, wear light cotton clothing and use protective gear like hats and sunglasses. Keeping indoor spaces cool and avoiding heavy or greasy food can also help. In case of symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or high body temperature, immediate cooling and hydration are critical, and medical help should be sought if the condition does not improve.