Punjab, Haryana sizzle; thundershowers in store

The mercury continued to remain high in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, with temperatures two to six degrees above average. But rain and thundershowers are likely in the next 24 hours.

The temperature in most places ranged between 42 and 44 degrees, a Met official said here.

Haryana's Hisar recorded a high of 43.3 degrees, while Ambala was sizzling at 41.6 degrees.

In Punjab, Patiala, the Sikh holy city of Amritsar and industrial hub Ludhiana were the hottest at 42.6 degrees, 42.2 degrees and 42.5 degrees respectively. All were five degrees above average.

Chandigarh, at a high of 41.5 degrees, was three degrees above average.

"There are chances of rain in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on Sunday, bringing some respite from the prevailing heat wave," said the official.