Heatwave sweeps Northwestern India

Chandigarh, Apr 30: Heatwave conditions prevailed in many parts of Punjab and some parts of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh as the mercury kept its upward movement, staying above normal in the region today.

The heatwave conditions are likely to continue for the next two days, according to the Weather Office here.

People in Hisar groaned under an intense heatwave with the maximum touching 44.6 degrees Celsius, turning it the hottest place in Haryana. However, the mercury hovered zero degree above normal at Ambala and Karnal, respectively showing 37.6 degrees and 37.5 degrees.

A severe heatwave swept through Punjab where Amritsar reeled under 42.7 degrees, seven degrees above normal, while Patiala recorded 39.4 degrees, two degrees above normal.

The temperatures also rose in Himachal Pradesh with state capital Shimla recording 26.5 degrees, six degrees above normal.

Bhuntar in Kullu district recorded 34.3 degrees, five degrees above normal, while Sundernagar in Mandi district registered 36.2 degrees. Kalpa recorded 24.1 degrees.

The mercury, however, declined in Chandigarh to 37.2 degrees which was still one degree above normal.

The Met office predicted light to moderate rain or thundershower at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh and duststorm or thuderstorm with light to moderate rain at isolated places in Haryana and Punjab during the next 24 hours.

Thundersquall with speed exceeding 45 km per hour is likely to occur at isolated places in the region during the period.

UNI