Hissar records 44.2 degrees celsius

Chandigarh, May 11 (UNI) Blistering heat wave lashed Hissar with the mercury touching 44.2 degrees celsius even as the temperature stayed below normal at most places in northwest India today.

Heat wave conditions prevailed in western parts of Haryana and Hissar was the hottest place in the state. However, the maximum temperature dipped to 36.6 degrees, three degrees below normal at Ambala.

In Punjab, the mercury fell by two degrees to three degrees celsius after a scorching heat wave lashed the state. Ludhiana recorded 39.4 degrees, two degrees below normal, against 40.8 degrees registered yesterday. Patiala, too, recorded a fall in the mercury to 37.5 degrees, three degrees below normal, from 40.7 degrees.

The temperature also dropped in Himachal Pradesh where rain lashed some areas, including Sundernagar. The capital town of Shimla reported 24.7 degrees temperature which was still two degrees above normal while Kalpa showed 21.4 degrees.

The mercury which hovered two degrees above normal in Chandigarh and its adjoining areas, stayed two degrees below normal, following high speed winds that blew across the city for a brief period during the day. The city recorded 35.8 degrees against 39.0 degrees registered yesterday.

The current heat wave and the recent squall in the region had claimed the lives of 16 people so far.

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

UNI VKJ VD KN1958