Mercury further dips in region

Chandigarh, Nov 25 (UNI) Cold climatic conditions prevailed at most places in north-west India following a further fall in the temperature today.

The minimum temperature hovered two degrees to four degrees Celsius below normal while foggy weather continued at some places, including Sundernagar and Ludhiana, reducing visibility considerably in these areas in the morning.

The fog, however, disappeared as the day advanced. Ambala and Patiala reported mist while Chandigarh, Amritsar and Delhi experienced haze.

The cold spell intensified in Punjab with the night temperatures recording a fall of two degrees to 3 degrees at different places.

Adampur with the minimum temperature at 5.8 degrees Celsius continued to be the coldest place in Punjab, followed by Amritsar registering 6.5 degrees which was two degrees less than the temperature recorded yestersay.

The mercury further dropped by two degrees below normal at Ludhiana and Patiala, respectively recording 6.5 degrees and 7.5 degrees celsius.

The temperature also fell at various places in Haryana with Karnal recording 7.4 degrees celsius, four degrees below normal. Narnaul reported the minimum at 5.7 degrees and Ambala 8.7 degrees celsius.

The mercury further dipped in Chandigarh and its adjoining areas and cold surface winds blew across the city. The city recorded the minimum at 6.4 degrees celsius, three degrees below normal.

Cold climatic conditions persisted in several areas in Himachal Pradesh where the temperature continued to stay below freezing point in tribal areas following snowfall recently.

Bhuntar in Kullu district recorded a low of 3.4 degrees while Sundernagar in Mandi district showed 4.8 degrees celsius. The minimum temperature further fell at state capital Shimla recording 4.3 degrees, two degrees below normal.

The Kashmir valley continued to be in the grip of severe cold with Srinagar recording the minimum at 0.5 degrees while Jammu registered 9.3 degrees, three degrees below normal.

Delhi also recorded a drastic fall in the minimum temperature to 8.5 degrees from 12.7 degrees recorded yesterday.

The Weather Office has predicted light to moderate rain or snow at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh and mainly sunny day in Punjab and Haryana tomorrow.

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