Mercury rises by six degrees at Amritsar

Chandigarh, Jun 5 (UNI) Amritsar recorded steep rise in the mercury by more than six degrees as North-west India reeled under scorching hot weather conditions today.

The maximum temperature hovered one degree to two degrees above normal in the region even as heat wave conditions abated from Haryana today, according to the Weather Office here.

People groaned under intense hot weather conditions at Amritsar where the mercury touched 42.3 degrees celsius, two degrees above normal, turning it the hottest place in Punjab. The holy city had recorded 36.0 degrees yesterday.

The temperatures also increased at Ludhiana and Patiala, registering 41.0 degrees celsius each.

Scorching heat also prevailed in Haryana following rise in the temperature. Hissar reeled under the impact of severe heat with the mercury touching 42.6 degrees celsius, two degrees above normal.

Hissar continued to be the hottest place in Haryana.

Karnal and Ambala also recorded increased temperatures, respectively showing 40.5 degrees, one degree above normal, and 40.2 degrees.

The mercury also soared in Chandigarh and its surrounding areas with the city recording 40.4 degrees.

In Himachal Pradesh, the capital town of Shimla recorded 27.3 degrees, three degrees above normal, while Una with 40.2 degrees celsius turned out to be hottest place in the hilly state.

Sundernagar in Mandi district recorded 36.6 degrees and Bhuntar in Kullu district registered 33.8 degrees celsius, one degree above dnormal.

The weather office has predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh and duststorm or thunderstorm with light rain at isolated places in Punjab and Haryana during the next 24 hours.

UNI