North-west region sizzles under scorching heat wave

Chandigarh, May 3 (UNI) Blistering heat wave gripped North-west India following further rise in the mercury touching 46.2 degrees Celsius in Hissar today.

The maximum temperature stayed above 42 degrees Celsius at many places in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, making 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 added to the woes of people.

Hissar experienced the hottest day of the season with the mercury soaring to 46.2 degrees, seven degrees above normal, forcing people to remain indoors. It 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 reeted under a severe heat wave in Punjab where the mercury soared to 44.6 degrees, eight degrees above normal, in Amritsar, turning it the hottest place in the state.

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

Scorching 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.

The maximum temperature stayed above normal by seven degrees in Bhuntar, six degrees at Shimla and Mandi and five degrees in 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 during the next 24 hours.

UNI VKJ HS AS1925