PTI 
 
New Delhi, May 16: Rains and thunder storm swept vast swathes of north India, bringing down the temperature, below normal at some places, and providing residents some respite from days of searing heat.

The maximum temperatures at many places in the region stayed below normal for the second consecutive day on Monday due to easterly winds.

Light to moderate rains accompanied by thunderstorm brought relief from the severe heat wave conditions in Uttar Pradesh, while south westerly winds cooled much of Rajasthan leading to a fall in maximum temperatures by one to two degree Celsius (C) here.

Hissar in Haryana, which till Sunday had been reeling under intense heat with temperature settling beyond 46 C, got slight relief following rains. The maximum temperature, however, still settled on the higher side at 42.6 C.

Delhi, Jammu, Ambala, Sonepat and some places in Himachal Pradesh received light to moderate rains. Ludhiana recorded a high of 40 C, down one degree while Patiala experienced a maximum of 39 C, also a degree below normal but Amritsar suffered another hot day at 41 C, up three degrees from normal.

The met department forecast rain or thunder showers at many places in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh over the next two days.