Chandigarh:
Punjab and Haryana was swept by the heat wave today with the maximum temperature settling up to five notches above normal at some places in the two states.
Besides intense heat conditions, high level of humidity added to the woes of people.
The maximum temperature hovered between three to five notches above normal in most parts of Punjab and Haryana, the MeT office said.
In the plains of Punjab and Haryana, Hisar was the hottest place with the mercury recording a high of 43 degree Celsius, three notches above normal.
While Amritsar braved a high of 42.8 degree Celsius, five notches above normal, the maximum temperature at Patiala was 42 degree Celsius, up by five notches.
Among other places, Ludhiana recorded 41.9 degree Celsius, three notches above normal followed by Ambala at 41.3 degree Celsius, up by four notches, Chandigarh 40.7 degree Celsius, five notches above normal and Karnal 40.6 degree Celsius, four notches above normal.
Besides, frequent disruption of power supply and water scarcity compounded problems for people.
The MeT has predicted light to moderate rains at isolated places in Punjab and Haryana during the next 48 hours.