Mercury likely to breach 40 degree Celsius in Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: The

temperature

levels are expected to rise and breach the 40-degree Celsius mark in the plains of

Uttarakhand

in the next 48 hours, according to the forecast of the regional meteorological centre.

Dehradun

recorded a maximum temperature on Tuesday at 39 degree Celsius, six notches above normal level, thereby breaking the 10-year record in April. The

mercury

could go further up in the capital city, the Met officials said.

"The maximum temperatures in the plains could touch or breach 40 degree Celsius mark, while the hills would also witness more than normal temperatures during next 24-hours," said Bikram Singh, director, regional meteorological centre.

Singh added that forest fires could spread in the hills amid the dry weather conditions and rising temperatures across the state.

Meanwhile, respite from the scorching heat is expected from April 21 as light to moderate rainfall/thunderstorm is likely to occur at many places in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts on April 21 and 22.