Gurgaon: Clear skies and bright sunshine kept Saturday warm with the maximum temperature settling at 34.1°C and the minimum at 16.2°C in the city. Data from another monitoring station at NorthCap University showed higher readings, with the maximum touching 35.8°C and the minimum recording at 17.8°C.Any immediate relief from the heat is unlikely, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast said. A gradual rise of 2-3°C in maximum temperatures over the next five days was forecast with daytime temperatures expected to remain 5-8°C above normal for the next two days across the state.According to the weather department, mostly dry conditions are likely to prevail across Haryana over the next five days. “Dry conditions are expected to lead to a gradual rise in both maximum and minimum temperatures. During this period, maximum temperatures in the southern and western parts of the state are likely to range between 34°C and 37°C, while minimum temperatures may remain between 16°C and 21°C,” IMD said.Moreover, an upper-air cyclonic circulation currently lies over Haryana and neighbouring regions in the lower tropospheric levels, meteorologists said. At the same time, a fresh western disturbance, seen as a trough in the middle-level westerlies, is expected to affect the western Himalayan region from March 9. However, its impact is expected to remain largely confined to the hills, offering little relief to the plains.In view of the rising temperatures, the weather department issued an advisory asking residents to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated and take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related discomfort.For Sunday, the forecast indicates partly cloudy skies, with the maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 33°C and 18°C, respectively.
