Chandigarh, May 16 -- Mercury's upward climb in the city continues as the maximum temperature jumped from 40.5degC on Wednesday to 41.7degC on Thursday, leaving residents sweating.

However, the sizzling weather took a turn by night, with 4.8 mm rain and gusty winds going up to 50 km/h causing the temperature to plunge to 21degC by 11.30 pm.

The cool relief, however, will not last long, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast searing heat over the weekend, with temperatures likely to go up to 44degC.

Earlier on Thursday, at 41.7degC, the maximum temperature was an uncomfortable 4.2 degrees above normal and the highest so far this summer.

The minimum temperature also rose from 24.7degC on Wednesday to 25.3degC on Thurs...