Thunderstorm, rain in Chandigarh, surroundings

CHANDIGARH - A sudden thunderstorm followed by hail and rain twice hit Chandigarh and its surrounding areas Tuesday, bringing respite from the scorching sun and heat prevailing in the region for the last few days.

Many trees in Chandigarh and in the neighbouring towns of Panchkula and Mohali were uprooted, disrupting vehicular traffic. Power supply was also disrupted in many parts. However, the sudden spell of storm and rain was followed by a bright streak of sunshine in the evening.

Weathermen have predicted similar conditions to prevail in these parts in the coming days.

“There was moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm in Chandigarh and in various parts of Punjab and Haryana today. This rainfall has made the weather somewhat pleasant and mercury has also dipped by two to three degrees Celsius,” a meteorological official said.

“However, it is too early to say that it was a pre-monsoon shower. We are also expecting isolated rainfall in this region in the coming days,” the official said.

Most people were taken by surprise by the sudden change of weather.

“When I left home for the tuition class, at that time there were no signs of rain but it suddenly started raining and my bike broke down mid-way. I had to take shelter at a bus stop and missed my class,” said Abhijit Rehman, an engineering student.