Scorching heat prevails in north-west region

Chandigarh, May 15 (UNI) People in the north-west India reeled under scorching heat following further rise in the mercury even as scattered rain lashed Haryana and Himachal Pradesh during the past 24 hours.

The maximum temperatures stayed above normal at most places in the region.

People groaned under intense heat in Hissar, which continued to be the hottest place in Haryana, recording the maximum temperature at 41.7 degrees celsius, two degrees above normal.

The maximum temperature also rose at Ambala and Karnal, respectively recording 38.0 degrees and 38.4 degrees celsius, which were one degree below normal, while Bhivani showed 39.6 degrees against 36.4 degrees registered yesterday.

Rain lashed parts of Haryana, including Hissar, Karnal and Bhivani, overnight. Rohtak experienced moderate rainfall, recording 18.6 mm till this morning.

The mercury soared in Punjab, touching 41.0 degrees, three degrees above normal, at Amritsar. Ludhiana and Patiala showed 39.6 degrees celsius each.

The mercury also increased in many parts of Himachal Pradesh.

Una in lower hills recorded the maximum at 37.2 degrees, Bhuntar 31.8 degrees and Sundernagar 33.2 degrees.

Dharamsala, where the mercury dipped following rain, recorded the maximum at 29.6 degrees celsius. The temperature, however, remained static at at 23.2 degrees at Shimla.

Chandigarh and its adjoining areas were also under the impact of scorching heat with the mercury rising to 38.0 degrees celsius.

The Weather Office predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers at few places in Himachal Pradesh and duststorm or thundersquall with light to moderate rain at few places in Punjab and Haryana during the next 24 hours.

Hailstorm or thundersquall with speed exceeding 45 km per hour is likely to occur at isolated in the region during the period.

UNI VKJ MMS1914