After battling heat-wave conditions for the last several days, Punjab and Haryana got some relief from the rising mercury on Tuesday as the maximum temperatures were recorded below normal at various places across the two states, with thunderstorms accompanied by squally or gusty winds abating the impact of heat waves.
The gusty winds with speeds exceeding 50 kmph prevailed at isolated places over Punjab and Haryana. Gusty winds up to 57 kmph were reported in Punjab's Bathinda, 56 kmph in Fazilka, and 48 kmph in Mohali. In Haryana, winds up to 59 kmph were reported in Charkhi Dadri and 52 kmph in Rohtak. The wind speed in Chandigarh reached up to 46 kmph.
Rainfall and Forecast
Punjab recorded 24% excess rainfall from April 27 morning to 8:30 am on April 28. The state received 0.5 mm of rain against a normal of 0.4 mm. Haryana received 46% deficient rain during this period as it recorded 0.2 mm against a normal of 0.4 mm, while Himachal Pradesh received no rain during this period.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a thunder squall with wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph is likely over Punjab and Haryana on April 29. Isolated hailstorm activity is likely over Himachal Pradesh on April 29.
Extended Forecast
Isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning, and gusty winds are likely over Punjab and Haryana until April 30, and during May 2-4, the IMD predicted. Scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall or snowfall with thunderstorm, lightning, and gusty winds (speed reaching 40-50 kmph) is likely over Himachal Pradesh during April 28-May 1 and on May 2 and 4, it added.
The IMD further predicted a gradual fall in maximum temperatures, likely by 2-4 degrees Celsius, over northwest India until April 30 and no significant change during May 1-4.
