Snowfall continues in HP

Shimla, Mar 10 (UNI) The cold wave conditions in tribal districts of Himachal Pradesh intensified after 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 Dhauladhar ranges in Kangra district were receiving intermittent snow for the second day today 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. The Deputy Commissioner has urged people not to cross the Pass on foot for the next few days.

Snow clouds were hovering over Kinnuar, Kullu disticts and lower areas of Chamba district of the state, while strong velocity winds were blowing in mid and lower hills accompanied by intermittent showers.

Shimla and its adjoining areas were lashed by intermittent light showers during the last 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.

Intermittent heavy snowfall in Lahaul tribal valley intensified the cold wave as day temperature, which had risen to 16 degrees last week, plummeted to minus four degrees today.

The fresh snowfall 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.

The Met office has predicted rain and snow at several places in the state during the next 24 hrs.

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