Chandigarh, May 24
The maximum temperature soared to 43 degrees Celsius - the season's highest and the hottest day in May so far in the city today. However, the minimum temperature dipped to 27.2 degrees Celsius, almost five degrees less compared to 32 degrees recorded yesterday.
In May 1988, the city ad recorded the highest temperature of 46.5 degrees, the official said. Met officials said that most parts of Haryana and Punjab were experiencing above normal temperatures. While the highest temperature in Hisar was 47.4 degrees, Ludhiana in Punjab sizzled at 45.2 degrees. “The situation is not likely to change in the next couple of days as the sky would remain clear," said a Met official.
"Even though the day was slightly cloudy, it was impossible to spend more than a few minutes out in the open. The sun was extremely harsh and I had to cancel all my afternoon appointments," said Pradeep Verma, a resident of Sector 32.
With the mercury rising and the city residents preferring to stay indoors, the city also recorded a high demand for power during the day.
The Met office has forecast dust storm or thunderstorms with light rain in Haryana and Punjab during the next 24 hours.