A series of western disturbances and thunderstorms postponed the change in season by keeping the mercury in check through March and April, without a cloud in the sky.
Sunday saw the maximum temperature breach the 40 degree Celsius barrier. The daytime temperature settled at 40.6 degrees Celsius which is four degrees above normal.
It was a jump by nearly three notches from Saturday’s maximum that was only one degree above normal. The minimum was recorded at 21.6 degrees Celsius.
The maximum humidity was 79 per cent.
Those who stepped out without consuming enough fluids found it tough dealing with the strong sunshine.
Those attending the Kisan Rally organised by the Congress party were constantly in search of drinking water as they were not prepared for such a sudden rise in temperature.
Vendors selling coconut water and water melon that line up on the side of roads did brisk business as they provided a cool shelter for commuters.
Breaching the 40-degree mark heralds the long summer ahead, with the Meteorological department forecasting the maximum temperature on Monday at 41 degrees Celsius and the minimum at around 23 degrees Celsius.
The forecast reads slight mist in the morning with partly cloudy sky during the day.
