Searing heatwave hits Chandigarh, temperature soars to 43.8 degrees Celsius

Chandigarh recorded its highest day temperature of the season on Monday, reaching 43.8 degrees Celsius, surpassing Sunday’s heat. According to the Meteorological Centre Chandigarh, the department’s observatory at Sector 39 recorded the highest maximum temperature.

The heatwave affected several areas, including Chandigarh, Ambala, Rohtak, Sirsa, and Bathinda. Sirsa recorded a maximum temperature of 46.4 degrees Celsius, the highest in the region, while Samrala near Ludhiana logged 46.1 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest town in Punjab.

The Met department has forecast a further increase in the maximum temperature by 1-2 degrees over the next two days, with warm night conditions expected at isolated places until June 11. However, the minimum temperature in Chandigarh on Monday was 28 degrees Celsius, 0.9 degrees lower than Sunday’s minimum reading and 1.6 degrees above normal.

Monday’s maximum day temperature in the city was 1.7 degrees above the previous day’s reading and 5 degrees above normal. The weather department has also predicted thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places, but there is no possibility of rain in Chandigarh and the region for the next couple of days.

The intense heatwave has forced residents to stay indoors, especially during peak afternoon hours. The rising mercury has also led to an increase in sales of air conditioners, coolers, fans, and refrigerators in the city.