Rains lash several parts of India; 2 die of lightning strike

New Delhi:Rains lashed several parts of the country including the national capital today bringing some respite for people from hot and humid conditions, even as two persons were killed after being struck by lightning in a village in Uttar Pradesh.

In Delhi, the Safdarjung weather station recorded a rainfall of 10.1 mm while observatories at Lodhi Road, Palam, Ridge and Ayanagar recorded 4.1 mm, 3.4 mm, 5.2 mm and 31.8 mm respectively till 5.30 PM, a MeT official her said. Humidity level in the city oscillated between 49 and 98 per cent.

As per forecast, rain is likely to occur during night too. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.6 degrees Celsius, the official said. The weatherman has predicted partly overcast condition along with the possibility of rains and thunderstorm on Tuesday.

On Sunday, the maximum temperature recorded was 40.1 degrees Celsius. In Punjab and Haryana too, the maximum temperature level hovered close to normal level after rain lashed a few parts of

the twin states. Chandigarh, which received light rains in the late afternoon, recorded a maximum of 37.9 degrees Celsius, the MeT Department there said.

In Haryana, Karnal registered a high of 36.4 degrees while Ambala’s maximum settled at 37.6 degrees. However, Hisar was hot at 41.1 degrees Celsius.

Among other places which received rains in Haryana included Gurgaon, Faridabad, Rohtak and Panchkula. In Punjab, Amritsar recorded a high of 35.3 degrees after it was hit by light rain. Ludhiana and Patiala recorded a maximum of of 39 degrees Celsius each.

Phagwara, Jalandhar, Mohali and Ropar in Punjab were among other places which received rain.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall in drought-hit Vidarbha and Marathwada regions in the coming two days, even as it said that around 90 per cent

Maharashtra has been covered by monsoon. Two persons were killed in Azamgarh district after being hit by lightning in Dubra village in Bardah area while they were working in their field, police said ,adding, both of them died on the spot.

Meanwhile, light to moderate rain and thunder showers lashed few places in Uttar Pradesh since yesterday.

Highest maximum temperature over the state was 40.2 degree Celsius recored at Etawah.

In West Bengal, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling received 114.6 mm, 86 mm and 4.9 mm of rainfall since yesterday. Kolkata received mild rains and maximum temperature was recorded at 34.4 degrees Celsius. In Odisha, Balasore and Nawana and Kaptipad also received rains.

In Bihar, Patna registered maximum temperature of 38.1 degrees Celsius, while Gaya, Bhagalpur and Purnea stood at 39.5 degrees, 36.5 degrees and 36 degrees respectively.