Mercury stays below normal in region

Chandigarh, June 26 (UNI) Hot weather conditions persisted in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh Union Territory even as the mercury hovered one degree to two degrees celsius below normal at most places in the plains today.

Scorching heat prevailed in the state with Hissar recording 39.9 degrees celsius, one degree below nowmal. The mercury, however, settled at 37.0 degrees, two degrees below normal, at Ambala.

In Punjab, the mercury again soared at Amritsar recording 38.0 degrees, one degree below normal, but stayed two degrees below normal at Ludhiana and Patiala, respectively showing 38.0 degrees and 37.2 degrees celsius.

The temperature also rose at Chandigarh and its adjoining areas, although the city reported trace rainfall. Chandgiarh registered 37.2 degrees, one degree below normal, against 36.0 degrees recorded yesterday.

Parts of Himachal Pradesh experienced rain. Bhuntar in Kullu district recorded 35.1 degrees and Sunderdnagar in Mandi district 33.4 degrees. Both these towns reported rain. Kalpa in Kinnaur district 24.6 degrees. The mercury stayed at 24.1 degrees at Shimla which was also lashed by rain.

Western disturbance persisted over north Pakistan and its neighbourhood as an upper air cyclonic circulation extended upto 5.8 km above sea level, according to the weather office here. The induced upper air cyclonic circulation over central Pakisatan and adjoining north-west Rajasthan extended upto 3.1 km above sea level.

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

Hailstorm or thundersquall with speed exceeding 65 km per hour is likely to occur at isolated places in the region during the period.

UNI VKJ SB HS1915