Gurgaon: The city witnessed this season's highest daytime temperature at 37.1 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. It was nearly seven notches above the season's normal and two degrees higher than the previous day's 35 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature may breach 39 degrees Celsius by Thursday.
The discomfort caused by the hottest day of the season was exacerbated by humidity levels that reached an uncomfortable 73%, marking a steep rise from Monday's 44%.
Tuesday's minimum temperature (16.5 degrees Celsius) was also the highest recorded this season. The nighttime temperature is expected to reach 21 degrees Celsius by Thursday, the Met department said.
"Clear skies with arid conditions are anticipated over the next five days. Both minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to rise by two degrees in the next two days," said an IMD official.

Meanwhile, the city's air quality index, clocked at a ‘poor' 206 on Tuesday, deteriorated from Monday's reading of 194 (moderate). Of the four AQI monitoring stations in the city, Gwalpahari was the worst hit at a reading of 266, followed by Sector 51 at 227, both ‘poor'. Vikas Sadan and Teri Gram readings were unavailable due to insufficient data.
The air quality may worsen further and become ‘very poor' in three days, owing to unfavourable dispersion conditions, said the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (Safar).
Safar added, "Surface winds from the north may prevail at speeds under 4kmph during morning hours. Northwest winds may pick up to 4-6kmph in the afternoon before diminishing by evening. Moderate fog or smog is anticipated in most areas, with isolated dense fog in the mornings and clear skies till March 28."
According to CPCB guidelines, ‘poor' AQI can cause respiratory difficulties during extended exposure, while ‘moderate' AQI can precipitate respiratory discomfort in people with asthma or cardiopulmonary conditions.