Heavy rain to batter Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana from Thursday

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday warned of thunderstorms, squalls with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph gusting up to 90 kmph, hailstorms and heavy rain across Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana from Thursday to Saturday. The warning comes even as the severe heatwave gripping the region since Monday peaked on Wednesday and is likely to persist till Thursday before retreating.