Heatwave continues in region

Chandigarh, May 1 (UNI) Heatwave conditions persisted in parts of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh even as the mercury hovered one degree celsius below normal at some places in the plains today.

Scorching heat wave prevailed in some areas of Haryana with Hisar recording 43.8 degrees celsius. The mercury, however, settled at 37.5 degrees, one degree below normal, at Karnal.

In Punjab, intense heat wave swept Amritsar which recorded 42.8 degrees, six degrees above normal, but the maximum stayed one degree below normal at Patiala which showed 37.8 degrees celsius. Ludhiana registered 38.4 degrees celsius.

Himachal Pradesh experienced rain at isolated places in Kangra, Kullu and Lahaul Spiti district which kept the temperatures low in these areas, a report from Shimla said. However, the mercury stayed four degrees above normal at state capital Shimla recording 26.0 degrees. Bhuntar in Kullu district recorded 32.3 degrees, three degrees above normal, while Sundernagar in Mandi district registered 34.9 degrees. Kalpa recorded 23.2 degrees.

Chandigarh and its adjoining areas got respite from hot weather conditions today as the temperature dropped to 35.8 degrees from 37.2 degrees celsius recorded yesterday.

An upper air cyclonic circulation lay over Central Pakistan and adjoining Punjab and north Rajasthan and extended upto 2.1 km above sea level, according to the weather Office here. The heat wave conditions prevailing in some areas of the region are likely to abate in the next two days, it said.

The Met office predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers at few places in Himachal Pradesh and duststorm or thuderstorm with light to moderate rain at a few 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