Showers in Punjab, Haryana; fog dissipates

Most parts of Punjab and Haryana were today lashed by intermittent showers, dissipating the foggy conditions and providing relief from the on-going cold wave in the region.
Several areas of Punjab and Haryana were lashed by rainfall, which began last evening, marking a rise in night temperatures in the region, the MeT office said here.
The foggy conditions prevailing in the region eased out putting normal life back on track, the MeT said, adding that rainfall was due to Western disturbances prevailing over the region and will continue till tomorrow.
While Amritsar was lashed by 33.2 mm of rain, Bhiwani received 8.6 mm of rainfall.

Among other places, Narnaul was drenched by eight mm of rainfall followed by 6.4 mm at Ludhiana, 5.6 mm at Hisar, 3.2 mm at Karnal, 1.8 mm at Patiala, 1.6 mm at Ambala and 0.8 mm at Chandigarh.
The minimum temperatures in the region hovered between one to six degrees Celsius above normal, the MeT office said.

Chandigarh settled at a low of 11.4 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal followed by 10.6 degrees Celsius each at Ambala and Patiala, three and four notches above normal respectively.
Besides, Hisar had a low of 10.3 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal, Karnal 9.4 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal, Bhiwani 9.2 degrees Celsius, Ludhiana 8.1 degrees Celsius, one notch above normal and Amritsar 6.8 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal.

The MeT has forecast cloudy conditions with possibility of more rains in the region during the next 24 hours.
Rain brought cheers for farmers as it is highly beneficial for crops, including wheat, potatoes, green fodder, and peas, experts said.
Agricultural experts said that it will also offset the adverse impact of the ground frost on the crops, especially the tender ones like peas and green fodder.
Medical experts opined that since showers break the dry spell of winter and settle dust particles, they reduce risks of dry winter-related diseases like respiratory problems and irritation to eyes.