Chandigarh, May 19 -- Residents experienced the sun fury on Monday as the maximum temperature touched 42degC, the highest it has gone so far this season.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said mercury will continue its upward trend in the coming days and issued a yellow alert for heatwave till May 24.

Monday's reading surpassed the highest temperature recorded in May last year, when the mercury touched 41.7degC on May 16. Chandigarh had witnessed a much higher peak of 46degC in 2024 (see box).

IMD Chandigarh director Surender Paul said an anticyclonic movement has formed over the region which has led to the sudden temperature rise. According to Paul, warm and dry North Westerly winds are blowing over the region and it is ...