Gurgaon swelters at 38°C, but rain and gusty winds likely

Gurgaon: After Monday’s searing heat drove the city’s temperature to the season’s highest, residents woke up to unusually warm conditions on Tuesday. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast fresh dust storms and thunderstorms across the state over the next two days.

IMD data showed the city recorded a maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, while Gurgaon KVK station was hotter at 38.4 degrees Celsius and NorthCap University station touched 39.3 degrees Celsius. Across Haryana, Rohtak was the hottest at 41.3°C, followed by Bopani in Faridabad at 41°C, Narnaul at 40°C, Hisar at 39.6°C, and Mahendragarh and Nuh at 39.7°C each, reflecting widespread heat stress despite a marginal dip from previous highs.

The city recorded a minimum temperature of 26.1°C. IMD noted Haryana’s average minimum temperature was significantly above normal, signalling persistent heat retention even after sunset, a factor experts say can sharply raise health risks.

According to IMD Chandigarh’s latest forecast, the state is likely to witness thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 50 to 60 kmph at some places on April 29, followed by similar storm activity with winds of 40 to 50 kmph on April 30. Light rain is also likely in some places, with a likely fall in maximum temperatures by around 3°C to 4°C over the next four days.

“This evolving weather pattern marked by intense daytime heat, unusually warm nights and sudden thunderstorms, is placing significant stress on the body. The key issue is that the body doesn’t get a chance to cool down at night, leading to fatigue, dehydration and strain on the heart,” said Dr Rajiva Gupta, senior consultant at CK Birla Hospital.

He warned that sudden shifts from extreme heat to dust storms and lightning could also trigger respiratory distress in vulnerable groups and increase the risk of accidents. “We are already seeing rising cases of fatigue, dehydration, headaches, poor sleep and worsening diabetes and BP control, accounting for nearly 20% of daily visits,” Gupta said.

He advised residents to avoid stepping out between 11am and 4pm, drink water regularly, reduce tea, coffee and alcohol intake, wear light cotton clothing, cover the head outdoors and keep ORS handy. During thunderstorms, he said, people should stay away from open spaces, tall trees and metal structures.

The elderly, especially those living alone, patients with heart disease, diabetes or hypertension, and outdoor workers remain among the most vulnerable.

For the city and NCR, the forecast suggests hot and exhausting daytime conditions may rapidly transition into dust storms, gusty winds, lightning and patchy showers over the next 48 hours, making both heat and storm precautions equally critical.