Scorching heat prevails in region

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

The temperature hovered one to two degrees above normal in Punjab and Haryana with dry spell continued.

People groaned under intensified heat at Hissar following rise in the mercury by two degrees above normal, making it the hottest place in Haryana. Ambala registered 40.1 degrees celsius.

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

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 the hottest place in Himachal Pradesh. The maximum temperature 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 in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana during the next 24 hours.

UNI