Snow in HP ensures respite from heat in UP

Lucknow, Mar 1 (UNI) Snowfall in higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh has ensured a respite from heat to the people of Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas.

The maximum temperature in the state that was hovering in the range of 35 degrees Celsius, has dipped to below 30 degrees, while the minimums have also undergone a decline of three to four degrees, the Met Department said today.

Soothing north westerlies have taken the place of warm south westerlies and the pleasant climate is likely to prevail for at least the next couple of days.

Uttar Pradesh capital reeled under an average maximum temperature of 35 degrees for the last ten days.

Zoo Deputy Director Dr Utkarsh Shukla told UNI,''Every year we started cooling arrangements for animals at the Zoo towards the end of March, but the unprecedented heat this February has compelled us to go for the heat preventive provisions a month earlier.'' Dr Shukla said the two ponds meant for two pair of tigers -- Royal Bengal and White Tiger -- have been revived this year much before the end of March, while the sprinklers aimed at wetting the quagmire ''Daldal'' for the barahsinghas have also been made functional since the last ten days.

UNI ARS NAB RP RS1508