Dust storm, rain lash parts of Haryana, Punjab

A sudden dust storm and rain hit several parts of Punjab and Haryana, including Faridabad and Gurgaon, this evening, pushing temperatures down by a few notches.

After hot weather conditions prevailed through the day, the dust storm brought relief to residents in several cities, including Chandigarh, Sonipat, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Karnal, Ambala, Panchkula, Jhajjar, Gurgaon and Faridabad.

Strong winds swept through Haryana as the weather changed suddenly and light rain lashed several areas of the state, a meteorological department officials said in Chandigarh.

Several parts of Punjab also experienced light rain.

Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, earlier today had recorded a maximum temperature of 39.1C, a notch above the normal.

In Haryana, Ambala recorded a maximum temperature of 39.4C, Hisar 41.6C, Bhiwani 41C, Karnal 39C and Narnaul 42.5C.

Amritsar, Ludhiana and Patiala in Punjab, too, registered above normal temperatures of 39.5C, 40.7C and 40C respectively.

The Met office has forecast thunderstorm with gusty winds at isolated places during the next two days in Haryana and Punjab.