Chandigarh: After days of oppressive heat, Chandigarh residents got much-needed relief on Tuesday as light rain and dense cloud cover led to a drop in temperatures across the city.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city received 4.2 mm of rainfall over the past 24 hours, easing daytime discomfort. The maximum temperature settled at 34.6°C — around three degrees below normal — while the minimum was recorded at 22.8°C, a degree lower than the seasonal average.Weather officials attributed the cooler conditions to sustained cloud cover and intermittent rain activity over the region. High humidity levels persisted, with maximum relative humidity touching 69%, making mornings and evenings noticeably more pleasant.The IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies over Chandigarh for the next 48 hours and said temperatures are likely to remain below normal for this time of year, extending the respite from the intense pre-summer heat witnessed over the past week.Officials said an active western disturbance coupled with moisture incursion from adjoining regions is expected to keep weather conditions unstable till mid-week. If cloud activity continues, experts said the city may see maximum temperatures hovering between 34°C and 35°C over the next couple of days before a gradual rise later in the week.
