light to moderate rain on Sunday lashed several parts of Punjab and Haryana, giving much needed relief to people from the ongoing scorching heat.According to the Met Department, areas which witnessed rain were Chandigarh (8.7 mm), Ambala (0.7 mm), Hisar (1.8 mm), Patiala (34.5 mm), Bhiwani (1.4 mm) and Karnal (4.6 mm).
After rainfall, maximum temperatures dropped several notches below normal in both the states. The Union Territory of Chandigarh recorded maximum at 34 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal. In Haryana, Ambala and Hisar settled at respective maximums of 34 degree Celsius and 37 degree Celsius, down by three degrees below normal. Narnaul recorded its maximum at 37.5 degree Celsius, four notches below normal.
In Punjab, ludhiana and Patiala recorded their maximums at 35.4 degree Celsius and 33.5 degree Celsius, respectively, four degrees below normal. Amritsar saw a high of 37 degree Celsius. The Met Department has predicted light to moderate rains at few places in Punjab and Haryana in next 24 hours. Thunderstorm accompanied by squall with wind speed exceeding 45 kmph may also occur at few places in next 24 hours, predicted Met Department.