Windstorm hits Chandigarh and adjoining areas

Chandigarh, June 13 (UNI) A windstorm at a speed of 111 km per hour hit the Union territory here and its adjoining areas in Punjab and Haryana while several areas in the region experienced rains which helped in lowering temperatures.

The maximum temprature fell by one degree to four degrees Celsius below normal in the region following rain caused by western disturbances over north Pakistan and its neighbourhood.

The windstorm, which was followed by rain, hit the city last night The city recorded 6.0 mm rain till this morning and the maximum temperature at 36.0 degrees Celsius.

However, schorching heat prevailed at Amritsar which was the hottest place in Punjab, recording 40.4 degrees Celsius. The town measured 1.6 mm rain till 0830 hours.

Mercury declined by four degrees below normal at Ludhiana and Patiala following rains, recording 37.2 degrees and 37.3 degrees Celsius respectively. Patiala reported 0.7 mm rain while Ludhiana had trace of rain.

In Haryana, the temperature also dropped by four degrees below normal at Karnal registering 36.4 degrees. The town reported the rain.

Temperatures also stayed low in Himachal Pradesh with several areas, including Bhuntar, Sundernagar, Pandoh, Rampur, Suni, Sujanpur Tira and Naudan, experiencing rainfall. The mercury settled at 21.9 degrees, two degrees below normal at Shimla which recorded 3.1 mm rain till this morning.

The Met office has predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers at few places in Himachal Pradesh and isoalted places in Haryana and Punjab during the next 24 hours.

Hailstorm or thundersquall with windspeed exceeding 65 km per hour is likely to hit the region during the period.

UNI VKJ PA KN1937