New Delhi: The National capital on Wednesday witnessed the highest maximum temperature in 12 years in the month of April as the temperature rose to 43.5 degrees Celsius, several degrees above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

So far, a maximum temperature of 43.7 degrees Celsius on April 18, 2010, was recorded in the city. The all-time high temperature for the month was 45.6 degrees Celsius recorded on April 29, 1941.

Gurugram was the hottest place in Haryana, while the common capital Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 42.2 degrees Celsius.

“A maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius is normal at places like Churu, Barmer, Bikaner and Sriganganagar in Rajasthan, but 45-46 degrees Celsius in the plains of north India by April-end is quite unusual,” independent meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an “orange” alert, warning the city residents of a severe heatwave on Friday.