Heat wave claims one life: Hisar touches 47 degrees celsius

Chandigarh, May 7 (UNI) Heat wave conditions in Punjab and Haryana have claimed one life so far.

The mercury continued to soar in the North West region with no let up in rising tempratures, and Hisar recorded an all-time high of 47 degrees celsius, six degrees above normal today.

It was the highest temperature recorded at Hisar in the first week of May in the last five years. Frequent disruption of power supply and power cuts lasting upto 12 to 18 hours has made matters worse for the residents of the town.

The town virtually bore a deserted look in the noon hours as residents preferred to stay indoors despite the power cuts.The maximum at Hisar yesterday was 46.2 degrees.

At other places in the region the maximum temperature hovered four degrees to seven degrees celsius, aggravating heat wave conditions.

Ambala recorded a high at 39.8 degrees, which was normal while Karnal was hot at 43.0 degrees, four degrees above normal.

Amritsar was the hottest place in Punjab where the maximum touched 45 degrees, seven degrees above normal.The minimum in the city was 24.4 degrees, four degrees above normal.

Ludhiana registered a maximum at 42.8 degrees, three degrees above normal while Patiala was hot at 42.5 degrees,four degrees above normal.

Chandigarh and its adjoining areas also reeled under heat wave conditions with the maximum remaining the same as yesterday at 42.0 degrees, five degrees above normal.The minimum in the city was recorded at 27.5 degrees, five degrees above normal.

Heat wave conditions prevailed in lower parts of Himachal Pradesh which are also facing severe water crisis with a number of natural water sources going dry.

The capital town of Shimla recorded the maximum at 28.5 degrees, seven degrees above normal.The minimum in the hill resort was 20.6 degrees, six degrees above normal.

The 13,050-foot high Rohtang Pass, gateway to tribal disrict of Lahaul Spiti in Himachal Pradesh was opened for light vehicles yesterday after remaining blocked due to snow during the winter.

The met department has predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh and duststorm or thunderstorm with light rain at isolated places in Punjab and Haryana during the next 24 hours.

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