Chandigarh, May 25 -- After dipping below 40degC for the first time in six days on Friday, the maximum temperature climbed past the 40degC mark again over the weekend. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature will rise gradually over the coming days, while rain is likely to return from Thursday. The maximum temperature rose to 40.9degC on Sunday, 1degC above normal. It is, however, lower than earlier this week when it had remained above 44degC for two consecutive days. The weatherman stated that the temperature would rise daily and can hit 44degC again before a fresh western disturbance affects the region. Due to dust storms, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city had crossed 100 on Friday, going into the moderate category. On Sunday, it was again down to 74 in the satisfactory category. The AQI between 51 and 100 is considered satisfactory and can cause minor breathing problems for sensitive people. It is rare for the AQI to cross 100 during summers, owing to high temperatures. The minimum temperature fell from 24.1degC on Saturday to 24degC on Sunday, 1.5degC below normal. In the next three days, the maximum temperature will remain around 42degC, while the minimum temperature will remain between 24degC and 25degC....