schorching heat prevails in region

Chandigarh, May 24 (UNI) Schorching heat prevailed in Punjab and Haryana with the mercury soaring in the plains, touching 43.4 degrees celsius at Hissar today.

The temperatures hovered one degree to two degrees above normal in Punjab and Haryana where a dry spell continued.

People groaned under intensified heat at Hissar following further rise in the mercury staying two degrees above normal. Hissar as usual turned out as the hottest place in Haryana. Ambala registered 40.1 degrees celsius.

The mercury also showed upward movement in Punjab, registering above 40 degrees celsius at most places. Patiala was the hottest place with the maximum rising to 41.5 degrees celsius while Amritsar recorded 40.3 degrees and Ludhiana 40.6 degrees.

Chandigarh and its adjoining areas in Punjab and Haryana also reeled under intensified heat as the weather remained unchanged since yesterday. The mercury was static at 40.2 degrees, one degree above normal, in the city.

Despite a fall in the temperature to 39.0 degrees, Una continued to be hottest place in Himachal Pradesh. The maximum settled at 35.2 degrees celsius at Sundernagar in Mandi district, 32.2 degrees at Bhuntar in Kullu disrict and 21.4 degrees at Kalpa in tribal Kinnaur district.

The capital town of Shimla recorded 25.7 degrees celsius which was three degrees above normal.

The Met office has predicted partly cloudy days likely in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana during the next 24 hours.

UNI