Chandigarh, Mar 12 (IANS): Temperatures took a sharp dip on Monday following rain in some parts of Punjab and Haryana.

In Punjab, Amritsar saw a maximum temperature of 18.4 degree Celsius, eight degree below the normal while Patiala and Ludhiana recorded highs of 19.5 degree Celsius and 20.8 degree Celsius, respectively, seven and six degrees below normal.

Chandigarh and its surrounding towns of Panchkula and Mohali were lashed by rain for most part of the day. The maximum temperature in Chandigarh was 22.2 degree Celsius, five degrees below normal.

On the other side, Ambala and Karnal in Haryana recorded highs of 21.2 and 24.2 degree Celsius respectively, six and two degrees below normal.

However, Narnaul and Hisar were hotter with highs of 29.5 and 29 degree Celsius, respectively.

Light to moderate rain was experienced in some parts of both the states.

The Met department has predicted more rain in some parts of the region in the next five days, even though Tuesday is expected to remain largely dry.

Rain at this time is not considered good for the wheat crop in the agrarian states of Punjab and Haryana. Wheat is harvested around mid-April.