Gurgaon: The state is likely to experience heatwave conditions over the next five days. IMD put Gurgaon, Faridabad, Rewari and Mahendragarh under a heatwave watch on April 20, and the alert is set to expand across most parts of the state, with nearly all districts under a yellow alert from today till April 24.“Maximum temperatures in Haryana are already significantly above normal, with departures of 3°C to 5°C. Mahendragarh recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 42°C, 4.5 notches above normal, and minimum was 25.7 degrees, which was 5.8 notches above normal. Warm night conditions have also been observed in Rohtak and Gurgaon,” an IMD official said.The department has forecast a rise of 3-4°C in maximum temperatures over the next five days.In Gurgaon, early signs of this trend are visible in night temperatures. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 22°C on Monday, 3.3 degrees above normal. Maximum temperature was 40°C, also 3.3 notches above normal.A “heatwave” is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and is at least 4.5 notches above the average temperature for a season. When the maximum temperature rises above 6.4 degrees Celsius above the average, IMD labels it as a “severe heatwave”.Officials said the combination of high daytime temperatures and elevated nighttime temperatures increases heat stress, as the body does not get sufficient time to cool down. The impact is expected to be more severe for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.Authorities have advised residents to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, stay hydrated, wear light cotton clothing and cover the head while outdoors. Farmers have been advised to carry out irrigation during early morning or evening hours to reduce heat stress on crops.With temperatures rising steadily and nights remaining warm, Haryana is likely to see sustained heatwave conditions through the week.
