Night temperatures rise in region

Chandigarh, Feb 16 (UNI) Night temperatures appreciably rose in the north-west India even as cold wave prevailed at most of the places in the region today.

However, the minimum temprature hovered below normal by one degree to four degrees Celsius in Punjab and Haryana, where the cold wave prevailing in some pockets, was likely to abate in next one day, according to the Met Office here.

Despite cold wave sweeping Punjab, the night temperatures marginally increased in the state with Amritsar recording 3.2 degrees Celsius, four degrees below normal, while Ludhiana and Patiala showed 5.5 degrees and 7.2 degrees Celsius respectively.

Admapur, near Jalandhar, Pathankot and Bhatinda also showed a rise in the minimum tempratures, respectively recording 3.6 degrees, 7.8 degrees and 6.6 degrees Celsius.

The mercury also showed upward movement in Haryana, where certain areas reeled under cold waves. The minimum temperature increased from 3.7 degrees to 7.9 degrees at Ambala, 5.0 degrees to 7.4 degrees at Karnal, 3.0 degrees to 4.0 degrees at Narnaul, 4.5 degrees to 7.0 degrees at Rohtak and 6.8 degrees to 10.4 degrees Celsius at Hissar.

Parts of Himachal Pradesh also recorded a rise in the minimum temperatures even as cold wave continued unabated in the state.

Sunderdnagar recorded 4.2 degrees and Una 2.4 degrees against 1.6 degrees and 1.5 degrees Celsius recorded at respective places yesterday.

The minimum, however, dipped at Bhuntar and tourist place of Manali in Kullu district, recording 3.6 degrees and minus 2.2 degrees Celsius respectively.

Shimla and its adjoining areas experienced sunny weather in the morning, followed by dark clouds in the afternoon. The capital town also recorded an increase in the minimum temperature to 6.1 degrees, three degrees above normal.

The entire tribal areas in Himachal Pradesh, reeling under cold wave conditions, experienced cloudy weather during the day. Kalpa in Kinnaur tribal district registered the night temperature at minus 4.4 degrees Celsius.

It was a warm day for the people of Chandigarh with the sky remaining partially cloudy in the afternoon after an appreciable rise in the night temperature to 9.4 degrees from 5.2 degrees Celsius recorded yesterday.

The Weather Office has predicted partly cloudy days in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh during the next 48 hours.

UNI VKJ PY BST1810