Chandigarh and its surrounding areas in Punjab and Haryana were hit by high velocity dust-storm followed by heavy rains this evening.
The storm, with wind speed exceeding 50 kmph, hit the city and its surrounding areas this evening, affecting normal life.
The dust-storm was followed by heavy rains and hailstorm, which lasted for nearly 30 minutes. At some places, tree branches fell on roads while power supply was also disrupted in some areas.
Meanwhile, the maximum temperatures today dropped slightly giving a temporary respite to the people from sweltering heat sweeping Haryana, Punjab and the Union territory of Chandigarh for the past few days.
Chandigarh recorded a high of 37.8 degree Celsius, the MeT Department said here.
Ambala in Haryana recorded a high of 38 deg C, one notch below normal, while Hisar, where mercury had soared to 45 degree Celsius three days ago, recorded 40 deg C.
Ludhiana and Patiala in Punjab also recorded below normal maximums of 39 deg C and 39.2 deg C, respectively.
However, Amritsar continued to sweat it out recording a high of 42 deg C, five notches above normal.
The MeT has forecast dust storms/thunderstorms with possibility of light rain at isolated places in the two states during the next two days.
