North-west region sizzles under blistering heat wave

Chandigarh, May 3 (UNI) Blistering heat wave lashed the north-west India following further rise in the mercury touching 46.2 degrees celsius at Hissar today.

The maximum temperature stayed above 42 degrees celsius at many places in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, making the people groan under intense heat wave conditions.

Hot and dusty winds swept across most parts of the region where power cuts and shortage of water have added to woes of the people.

Hissar experienced the hottest day of the season with the mercury soaring to 46.2 degrees celsius, seven degrees above normal, forcing the people to remain indoors. Hissar continued to be the hottest place in Haryana.

Elsewhere in Haryana, the mercury hovered four degrees to five degrees above normal with Ambala and Karnal, recording the maximum temperature at 42.6 degrees and 42.0 degrees celsius respectively.

People groaned under a severe heat wave in Punjab where the mercury soared to 44.6 degrees celsius, eight degrees above normal, at Amritsar, turning it the hottest place in the state.

Ludhiana recorded 43.4 degrees and Patiala 43.2 degrees celsius which were five degrees and four degrees above normal respectively.

Schorching heat wave lashed Chandigarh and its surrounding areas with the city recording 42.6 degrees, six degrees above normal.

The heat wave conditions also prevailed in lower areas of Himachal Pradesh with Una recording the maximum temperature at 42.2 degrees celsius.

The maximum temperature stayed above normal by seven degrees at Bhuntar, six degrees at Shimla and Mandi and five degrees at Dharamsala, respectively recording 35.8 degrees, 28.1 degrees,39.0 degrees and 34.4 degrees.

The heat wave conditions are likely to continue for the next two days, according to the Weather Office here.

The Met office predicted mainly sunny day in Punjab, Haryana and Himahcal Pradesh tomorrow. Duststorms are likely to occur at isolated places in Haryana and Punjab and during the next 24 hours.

UNI VKJ BP1900