Shimla, March 10
High altitude areas in Himachal Pradesh experienced fresh snowfall while certain areas in Punjab and Haryana witnessed rain during the past 24 hours.The mercury, however, kept up with cloudy weather persisting in most of the areas in the region.
The cold wave conditions in tribal districts of Himachal Pradesh intensified after receiving another spell of fresh snowfall for the second day today.
Higher altitude areas of Lahaul-Spiti district, Pangi and Bharmaour areas of Chamba district and the mighty Dhauladhar
ranges in Kangra district were receiving intermittent snow and sources said seven to eight inches of snow had been recorded in Lahaul-Spiti.
Reports of mild snowfall were also received from Rohtang Pass and the Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner has urged people not to cross the Pass on foot for the next few days.
Intermittent light showers lashed Shimla and its adjoining areas during the past 24 hours. Shimla’s night temperature dipped to 8.3 degree Celsius from yesterday’s 9.8 degrees, while Petsio recorded a low of minus 6.5 degrees.
The fresh snowfall had also hampered the road clearing operations on the Manali-Leh national highway and several other roads within the tribal valleys.
The minimum temperature recorded at Sundernagar was 11.8 degrees, while Bhuntar recorded a night temperature of 10.5 degree Celsius. The minimum temperature dipped to minus 1.5 degrees at Dhundi in Kullu district, while Bhang Manali and Solang Nullah were cool at 3.5 and 4.5 degree Celsius, respectively.
Moderate to heavy rain or snow is expected in Himachal Pradesh while light to moderate rain or thundershowers may occur in Punjab and Haryana during the next 24 hours, according to the Met office here. It has predicted hailstorm or thunder squall with wind speed exceeding 45 km per hour at isolated places in the region during the period.
Most areas in Punjab and Haryana experienced cloudy weather during the day. Patiala recorded 2.3 mm rain and Ambala 0.5 mm rainfall till 0830 hours.
Dark clouds hung over Chandigarh and its adjoining areas, turning the weather freakish. The city recorded trace rainfall till this morning.
— UNI
