Gurugram to get hotter by mid-March, says IMD

On Wednesday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 31.2 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal, and a minimum temperature of 15.6 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal for this time of year

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday predicted that Gurugram’s maximum temperature will touch 37 degrees Celsius by March 15, adding that the city will witness mainly clear skies. The minimum temperature is also likely to rise by two degrees and hover around 17 degrees Celsius.

Officials from the meteorological centre in Chandigarh said that around this time, the south Haryana region witnesses a maximum temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius. But this year, weather stations in this region are recording a rise of two or three degrees. (Vipin Kumar/HT Photo)

On Wednesday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 31.2 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal, and a minimum temperature of 15.6 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal for this time of year. This was the second consecutive day the city recorded a maximum temperature of over 30 degrees Celsius. On Tuesday, the Gurugram recorded a maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius for the first time this year.

Officials from the meteorological centre in Chandigarh said that around this time, the south Haryana region witnesses a maximum temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius. But this year, weather stations in this region are recording a rise of two or three degrees.

“Due to western disturbances in hilly regions, south Haryana is witnessing cloudy skies, which is leading to a rise in minimum temperature. During the day, due to the bright sun, the maximum temperature is also rising. The western disturbances are not strong to cause rain in the plains, and, with summer approaching, the maximum temperature will continue to rise now,” said Manmohan Singh, director of MeT Chandigarh.

A western disturbance refers to an area of “disturbed” or reduced air pressure, moving from the west to the east, carrying with it moisture associated with rainfall, snowfall and fog in northern India.

Meanwhile, the city’s air quality improved to “moderate” on Wednesday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 162, according to Central Pollution Control Board’s 4pm bulletin. On Tuesday, the city had recorded “poor” air with an AQI reading of 241.

An AQI reading between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, and 201 and 300 “poor”.

According to the weather bulletin issued by Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the air quality over the national capital territory is likely to remain in the “moderate” category on Thursday and Friday due to strong winds.