Widespread rains across Punjab, Haryana; mercury rises

Chandigarh

Widespread rains lashed Punjab and Haryana since last night where overcast skies led to an increase in minimum temperatures.

"Moderate to heavy downpour lashed the two states and Chandigarh. The rains were caused by western disturbances,"Chandigarh's MET Director Chattar Singh said.

Chandigarh received 12.8 mm of rains and Faridkot 14 mm.Jind, Ambala, Karnal, Hisar and Bhiwani also got some rains in Haryana.

The rains at this point of time are considered beneficial for the wheat crop, Punjab's Director Agriculture B S Sidhu said.