Mercury stays below normal in region

Chandigarh, June 20 (UNI) The mercury continued to stay below normal in most parts of the north-west India today following rains, providing respite to people from hot weather conditions.

The maximum temperature hovered four degrees to eight degrees celsius below normal as rains lashed many areas in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh since last night. Ludhiana, Patiala, Ambala, Hissar, Karnal, Shimla and Sundernagar also had rainfall while Chandigarh and Una reported trace.

However, the mercury slightly rose in Punjab and lower hills of Himachal Pradesh but remained almost static in Haryana.

Amritsar recorded 35.8 degrees, four degrees below normal, while Ludhiana and Patiala registered 34.0 degrees each which were six degrees down.

The temperatures remained almost unchanged in Haryana with Ambala recording 34.2 degrees, five degrees below normal. Karnal showed 31.2 degrees, eight degrees below normal.

The mercury hovered below normal at Chandigarh and its adjoining areas in Punjab and Haryana. The city recorded 33.8 degrees celsius, five degrees below normal.

In Himachal Pradesh, the mercury rose in the lower hills of the state despite rainfall. Una recorded 36.4 degrees, Bhuntar 33.3 degrees , Sundernagar 32.1 degrees and Kalpa 22.1 degrees celsius.

However, the maximum plummeted in Shimla with the capital town recording 22.1 degrees celsius.

The Weather Office has predicted moderate to rather heavy rain or thundershowers at many places in Haryana and light to moderate rain or thundershowers at few places in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh during the next 24 hours.

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

UNI