Overcast conditions give respite from heat wave

Chandigarh, May 17 :  Overcast conditions over north India on Wednesday brought down maximum temperatures in the region, giving much needed relief to people from the heat wave.

Maximum temperatures at most places were 35 to 38 degrees Celsius.

Met department officials said the maximum temperatures were one to four degrees below normal.

The past one week saw the heat wave intensifying, with the maximum temperatures in the range of 42 to 45 degrees at most places.

Chandigarh saw a high of 37 degrees on Wednesday.

In Haryana, Hisar saw a high of 38 degrees while Ambala and Karnal were at 37.5 and 37 degrees respectively.

In Punjab, Amritsar saw a maximum temperature of 35.5 degrees. Ludhiana and Patiala saw highs of 36.5 and 37.6 degrees respectively.

The Met officer predicted mostly dry and warm conditions in Punjab and Haryana with possibility of a heat wave. 

There can be occasional thundercloud accompanied with rain and winds in some parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh in the next 48 hours, pushing down the maximum temperature by 3-4 degrees.