Mercury again rises in region

Chandigarh, May 18 (UNI) After a day's breather, the mercury again rose at some places in north-west India but stayed below normal at most areas in the region today.

The maximum temperature hovered one degree to three degrees celsius below normal in Punjab and Haryana.

In Punjab, the mercury touched 39.9 degrees celsius at Patiala, followed by Amritsar and Ludhiana recording 38.8 degrees each. The temperature hovered two degrees below normal at Ludhiana.

In Haryana, Hissar recorded 39.2 degrees, three degrees below normal, while Karnal registered 39.0 degrees, one degree below normal, and Ambala showed 38.7 degrees, two degrees down.

The temperature also increased in Himachal Pradesh with state capital Shimla recording 24.5 degrees, two degrees above normal.

Bhuntar recorded 29.8 degrees, Sundernagar 33.6 degrees, Una 36.6 degrees and Kalpa 20.0 degrees celsius. Kalpa also experienced rain.

Hot weather conditions returned to Chandgiarh as the mercury rose by three degrees in the city recording 38 degrees celsius. Delhi showed 39.0 degrees, two degrees below normal.

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 Punjab and Haryana during the next 24 hours.

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