Mercury over 40,no respite in sight

The prevailing heat wave over north India sent temperatures soaring in Chandigarh as well.

The prevailing heat wave over north India sent temperatures soaring in Chandigarh as well. The Met department has predicted no respite in the coming days.

Over the past few days,the temperature has remained above the 40 degree mark. In fact on Friday,the highest maximum temperature in the month of May was recorded at 42.2 degrees. This was higher than the highest maximum temperature recorded in the month of May last year on May 12 at 41.3 degrees.

While the temperature was two degrees less on Saturday,there was no respite from the heat for the residents. What has added to the discomfort is that the night temperature is also a few degrees higher than normal. The minimum temperature was recorded at 27.4 degrees,three degrees above normal.

The director of the local Meteorological Department,Surinder Paul,said that the temperature was currently around 5 degrees higher than normal. An increase in the temperature was expected in the coming days with no signs of rain.

There has been a gradual increase in the lowest minimum temperature recorded in the month of May from 2002 to 2011. While the lowest temperature in the month of May was 17.6 degrees in 2002,the mercury never fell below 22.2 degrees in 2011 in the same month.

Residents of the city are finding it hard to brave the heat wave and are avoiding going out when the sun is out. Markets and roads wear a deserted look during the afternoon hours.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram