Heat wave to intensify over next two days in Gurgaon, rain likely next week

The minimum temperature on Thursday was recorded at 23.7 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature was 39 degrees Celsius, both of which have increased from Wednesday’s recordings of 23.1 degrees Celsius and 38.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Officials of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday that the heat wave in the city is likely to intensify in the next 48 hours.

Girls use a scarf to ward off the heat. The maximum temperature on Thursday was 39 degrees Celsius. (Parveen Kumar)

The minimum temperature on Thursday was recorded at 23.7 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature was 39 degrees Celsius, both of which have increased from Wednesday’s recordings of 23.1 degrees Celsius and 38.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.

“This year, the heat waves have struck early and the region is experiencing a maximum temperature close to 40 degrees Celsius. Monsoon is likely to be weak and the summer is likely to remain for most of the year,” an IMD official said.

The weather department officials also said that the city is likely to witness rain and thunderstorm by next Wednesday. The temperature is also likely to go down to 34 degrees Celsius next Thursday, which will bring some relief to residents, officials said.

The heat wave and the rise in temperature have made life miserable for city residents. Doctors have advised residents to stay indoors to avoid dehydration. “We have been receiving patients suffering from flu, headache, dehydration, stomach problems and fever. This is because of the sudden spike in temperature. We are advising people to stay indoors,” Kanta Goyal, the chief medical officer of Civil Hospital, Gurgaon, said.

Apart from the high temperature, the air quality of the city is also categorised as ‘poor’, which is unusual for this time of the year. On Thursday, the particulate matter (PM) 2.5 level was recorded at 337 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) against the permissible limit of 60 (µg/m³).

PM2.5 is suspended particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. It is a major component of air pollution. The particles can settle in the lungs and cause respiratory problems.