The first spell of pre-monsoon showers lashed the region on Tuesday plunging maximum temperature levels.
Moderate to heavy rains was recorded on Tuesday in various parts of Punjab and Haryana giving much-needed respite from sweltering weather conditions.
After receiving 7 mm rains, Chandigarh recorded maximum temperature of 33.3 degree Celsius, six notches below normal while the minimum temperature recorded was 32.1 degree Celsius, seven notches above normal. A day before, the city had recorded maximum temperature of 39 degrees Celsius.
The humidity levels have been on the increase in the region during evening hours.
Surender Pal, Director Met Department said, “The pre-monsoon showers were received in the region on Tuesday. And, the latest weather conditions and interpretation of different weather models indicates significant rainfall activity in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh during June 13 to 20 due to pre-monsoon showers which will lead to fall in day temperature.”
He said, “The downpour has made the environment somewhat cooler and pleasant as compared to last few days. Punjab and Haryana witnessed moderate rainfall on Tuesday plunging the maximum temperature levels below normal.”
He added, “The conditions are also favorable for early onset of monsoon this year in Punjab and Haryana compared to last year and monsoon during June-September is likely to remain normal this year.”
The Met Department has forecast light to moderate rain or thunderstorm would occur at several places in Haryana and Punjab in next 24 hours. While in Chandigarh, partly cloudy sky with a spell of light rain and thunder development is predicted for next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the holy city of Amritsar received 40 mm rains and recorded a maximum temperature of 42.6 degree Celsius, three notches below normal and minimum of 29.8 degree Celsius. Patiala recorded maximum temperature of 32.7 degree Celsius, six notches below normal while after receiving 2mm rains, ludhiana recorded 34.9 degree Celsius maximum temperature, six notches below normal.
In Haryana, Hisar recorded maximum temperature of 37.8 degree Celsius, three notches below from normal. Bhiwani and Karnal recorded maximum temperature of 35.8 degree Celsius and 32 degree Celsius, six notches below normal respectively.
In the neighboring State of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala received 24 mm rains, Shimla 16 mm, Solan 26 mm, Sunder Nagar 13 mm and Kangra 60 mm downpour. Shimla recorded maximum temperature of 25.5 degree Celsius and a minimum of 17.2 degree Celsius after rain.