A truncated match is in store with the meteorologists predicting inclement weather ahead of the second Test between India and England [Images] starting in Mohali on Thursday.

The Meteorological Department officials in Chandigarh said light to moderate rain or snow is likely to occur at many places in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh while light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at a few places in Punjab and Haryana during the next two days.

They further said that hailstorm or thunder squalls with wind speed exceeding 45 kmph are likely to occur at isolated places in Punjab and Haryana.

The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday received snowfall and it may keep the conditions overcast in the region atleast till Wednesday.

The city itself received rain last night, resulting in a minimum temperature of 14.6 degrees Celsius.

The maximum temperature on Monday was 30.6 Celsius while the maximum relative humidity was 77 per cent and the minimum 31 per cent.

Earlier, the England team had their a two-hour long net session while the Indians started their practice in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, former Pakistani captain and Punjab's coach Intikhab Alam said more rain in the lead up to the match would help the seamers.

After having a look at the wickets, Alam said that if the match is played on a dry wicket and if the weather clears up then it could be a game dominated by the batsmen.

"I have my doubts if the green top wicket will be chosen to play," he said, indicating that spinners may have more role to play sooner rather than later in the game.

"However, the early morning sessions and towards the end of day's play, the Mohali wicket is a bit difficult to play," he said.