Bathinda: High-velocity winds and hailstorm activity brought partial relief from the heatwave in parts of Punjab and Haryana on Wednesday, even as hot conditions persisted at isolated places across the two states. With thunderstorm activity expected to intensify over the next few days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a special bulletin warning of strong winds, lightning and hailstorms till June 16.
As per the IMD, light to moderate rainfall is likely at isolated places on June 10 and from June 14 to 16, and at a few places in both the states from June 11 to 13. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, squally winds of 60-70 kmph gusting up to 80 kmph, and hailstorms are likely at isolated places in Punjab and Haryana on June 11 and 12. Gusty winds of 40-60 kmph are also likely at isolated places on June 10 and from June 13 to 16.
As per forecast for Chandigarh, light to moderate rain is likely on June 12, and at a few places on June 11 and 13. Weather is likely to remain dry on June 10 and 14. Thunderstorm/lightning/squall (60-70 kmph gusting up to 80 kmph) is likely on June 11 and 12 at isolated places. Hailstorm is likely at isolated places on June 11, while thunderstorm/lightning/gusty wind (40-50 kmph) is likely at isolated places on June 13.
Meanwhile, maximum temperatures in parts of Punjab and Haryana remained between 42°C and 46°C, up to 5 degrees above normal, while minimum temperatures were also above normal (1.6°C to 3°C) across the region. Bathinda sizzles at 46.2°C. Punjab recorded a marginal fall of 0.1°C in average maximum temperature on Wednesday, with Bathinda emerging as the hottest place at 46.2°C. Haryana saw a 0.5°C drop, with Rohtak recording the state's highest temperature at 44.5°C.
Strong winds were also recorded across Haryana, touching 115 kmph in Pandu-Pindara (Jind), 70 kmph in Charkhi Dadri, 63 kmph in Rohtak and 61 kmph in Sonipat. Sangrur in Punjab recorded winds up to 50 kmph. Outdoor workers and farmers engaged in paddy transplantation continued to bear the brunt of the heatwave, prompting authorities to issue advisories.
