The entire Punjab and Haryana region remained in the grip of blistering heat wave, while Amritsar witnessed its hottest day in history with a high of 48 degrees Celsius, nine notches above normal.
The previous highest maximum in Amritsar was 47.4 degrees Celsius, recorded on May 21, 1978.
In Punjab, Ludhiana and Patiala witnessed hottest day of the season with maximums of 46.5 and 45.9 degrees Celsius.
In view of the severe heat, the Punjab government has changed timings of all primary schools in the state from today.
Hisar recorded the highest temperature in Haryana with a maximum of 47.3 degrees Celsius, the Met department said.
Chandigarh also recorded its highest temperature thus far in this season with a maximum of 43.8 degrees Celsius, six notches above normal.
In Haryana, while Bhiwani and Narnaul registered highs of 46 degrees Celsius, Karnal and Ambala recorded maximum temperatures of 45.6 and 45.1 degrees Celsius.
