Cold wave sweeps north, northwest India

New Delhi, Jan 27 : The northern and northwest part of the country continues to reel under the grip of intense cold wave with some experiencing sub-zero temperature.

In Himachal Pradesh, chilly conditions increased, as Shimla and the adjoining areas saw the year's first snowfall on Saturday. The state is reeling under such low temperatures after a gap of 15 years. An intense cold wave gripped Kullu valley where temperature ranged from minus four degree Celsius to minus seven degree Celsius.

"We are experiencing chilly weather. The temperature has dipped very steeply," said Subhash Thakur, a resident of Kullu valley. There was no respite for the residents of Shimla, where the minimum settled at minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, five below normal range.

Rajasthan and Delhi are also facing discomfort due to icy winds.

In Rajasthan, Sriganganagar has recorded a minimum of zero degrees Celsius.

Punjab and Haryana are also witnessing severe cold on Sunday.

In Punjab, Amritsar registered minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, seven below normal, Ludhiana registered around 0.1 degrees Celsius, and Patiala was 1.7 degree Celsius.

The minimum temperature at Chandigarh was dropped since Saturday at 3.6 degree Celsius, three degrees below the normal.

In Haryana, Narnaul recorded a lowest of 1.3 degree Celsius, Karnal 2.4 degree Celsius, Rohtak a low of 3.2 degree Celsius and Hisar settled at four degree Celsius.

ANI