Light rainfall likely tomorrow

WHILE BATHINDA SIZZLED AT OF 43.4°C, AMRITSAR RECORDED A HIGH OF 41.2°C

CHANDIGARH/ROHTAK : Heatwave conditions persisted in Haryana and Punjab on Monday with mercury settling above the 40-degree mark in most parts of the two states.

In Punjab, Bathinda recorded a maximum temperature of 43.4°C. Amritsar recorded a high of 41.2°C, Ludhiana 41.5°C, Patiala 42.6°C and Jalandhar 41.7°C. Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, recorded a high of 40.7°C. People may get some respite from the sweltering heat on Wednesday.

A western disturbance may bring isolated rainfall over parts of Punjab and Haryana on Wednesday, according to the weather office. Dust-raising winds with a speed of 20-30 kmph are likely over southern parts of Punjab and Haryana on Tuesday and Wednesday, the IMD said a release, adding that the respite will be short-lived as temperatures will increase again after three days.

Major parts of Haryana are grappling with heat wave, with temperature hovering above 40°C. A spokesman of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Chandigarh said Hisar and Gurugram recorded 44.2°C each on Monday, which is the highest in Haryana. Hisar reported a minimum temperature of 19.2°C in early morning.

“Most parts of Haryana recorded temperature above the 40°C-mark. Ambala reported 41.2°C, Narnaul 43.5°C, Rohtak 42.7°C, Bhiwani 42.5°C and Sirsa 43.7°C. The state witnessed 6 to 8 degree more temperature than normal,” the spokesman added.

The spokesman said northern parts of Haryana including Ambala, Panchkula and Yamunanagar are likely to get some respite from the heat on the night of April 13 as light rain is forecast in these districts.

School going students complained of hot waves and their parents expressed worry about the rise in mercury.

Residents of many rural areas of Haryana complained of power cuts and some khap leaders have urged the power department to ensure proper power supply from 10am to 6pm in villages.