PTC Web Desk: After days of intense heat, people in Punjab and Haryana may finally get some relief as the weather department has predicted rain and thunderstorms across several parts of the two states later this week.

According to the India Meteorological Department, a five-day wet spell is likely to begin from May 27 and continue till May 31. The change in weather is expected to bring down temperatures further in many areas of north-west India.

Rain likely in Punjab and Haryana

The weather office has predicted isolated rainfall in Haryana on May 27, 28 and 31, while Punjab may receive light rain on May 28 and 31. Both states are expected to witness more widespread rainfall on May 29 and 30.

Some districts may also experience thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 60 kmph. Hailstorms are likely at isolated places on May 28 and 29.

Weather experts said eastern Punjab and parts of southern and north-eastern Haryana are expected to receive comparatively more rainfall than other regions.

Heatwave conditions may continue briefly

Even though rain activity is expected to increase, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions may still affect isolated areas on May 26 and 27.

Southern districts of Punjab and western as well as southern Haryana are likely to remain under heat stress during this period.

The IMD said Punjab did not record any heatwave over the past two days. However, Haryana continued to witness high temperatures, especially in Sirsa and Rohtak, where the mercury touched 46.2 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures return closer to normal

Day temperatures in Punjab remained close to normal during the past 24 hours, while some areas in Haryana recorded above-normal temperatures. Night temperatures in both states also stayed near normal after several days of unusually warm nights earlier this month.

Light rainfall was reported at a few places in Punjab, whereas Haryana largely remained dry. Gusty winds were experienced in isolated areas of both states.

Rainfall still below normal this month

Despite recent weather changes, rainfall in May has remained below average in the region. Punjab has recorded 32 per cent less rainfall than normal so far this month, while Haryana has seen a rainfall deficit of 3 per cent.

Fresh western disturbance approaching

The IMD said a western disturbance in the form of a cyclonic circulation continues over Jammu and nearby areas. Another fresh western disturbance is likely to affect north-west India from May 28.

Under its influence, light to moderate rain along with thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand between May 28 and May 31.

The weather office has also warned of isolated hailstorm activity over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh during May 28 and 29.