Monsoon plays truant in many areas in north-west region

Chandigarh, Jul 18 (UNI) Monsoon played truant in many areas in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh Union Territory and sultry weather conditions persisted in the plains today.

Hot and humid weather conditions prevailed in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh in the absence of rain.

Except Ranjit Sagar Dam site in Punjab and Panipat in Haryana, which respectively recorded 2.0 mm and 6.0 mm rain overnight, the twin states had no rainfall, according to the Weather Office here.

Although most areas in Himachal Pradesh went dry, certain areas in Kangra district expericenced rain. Baijnath was lashed by a moderate rainfall, recording 26.0 mm downpour while Dharamsala, headquarters of Kangra district, measured 4.8 mm rainfall till 0830 hours.

However, rain eluded the capital town of Shimla which remained drapped in monsoon clouds during the day.

The Met Office predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers at few places in Himachal Pradesh and isolated places in Haryana and Punjab during the next 24 hours.

UNI