Chandigarh: Thunderstorms accompanied by squall, hail and heavy rains are likely to hit at least 13 states and two union territories today including Punjab and Chandigarh, the Union Home Ministry has said in an advisory issued on Sunday. Schools in Haryana have been asked to remain closed for the next two days following an alert issued by the Panchkula weather department.
Thunderstorm accompanied by squall is likely at isolated places in West Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, while heavy rain could take place in parts of south Karnataka and Kerala, according to the weather department.
At least 124 people died and over 300 were injured in thunderstorms and lightning that hit five states last week.
Early morning rains lashed Chandigarh and surrounding areas. The maximum temperatures at most places in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh remained between 31.5 to 38.5 degrees Celsius on Sunday with rainfall at some places and overcast sky at several in others.