Cold wave intensifies in HP after fresh snow

Shimla, Nov 27 (UNI) Cold wave conditions intensified in Himachal Pradesh after fresh spell of mild to moderate snowfall in higher altitude areas of the tribal districts of the state today, met office sources said.

Almost all higher altitude areas and mountain peaks of the tribal districts of Kinnuar, Lahaul Spiti, Kullu and Chamba were experiencing snowfall since morning, plummeting minimum and maximum temperatures across the state.

The sources said fresh snowfall was also reported at Rohtang Pass, gateway to Lahual Spiti and situated at 13050 feet above sea level, adding that vehicular traffic was plying normally.

Saptarishi mountain ranges, Lady of Keylong, Goshal mountain ranges and Chandertal and Surajtal natural lakes in Lahaul Spiti, and Kinner Kailesh mountain ranges and other higher peaks in Kinnuar were receiving intermittent snowfall since morning, they said.

The sources said Satrundi mountain ranges, Malur Dhar, Mani Mahesh Kinner Kailesh peaks, Saach Pass, Dhanteraru Pass, Chobia Pass and Kumbti Pass in Chamba district were also experiencing snowfall, intensifying cold wave conditions in the state.

The day and night temperatures in the tribal districts were three to five degrees below normal, the sources said, adding that water discharge in the Sutlej River and its tributaries had also decreased following a drop in the temperatures.

Snow clouds were hovering over other parts of the tribal districts with the night temperature at Kalpa in Kinnuar dropping to minus six degrees Celsius and sources did not rule out the possibility of snow in the districts during the night.

Overcast conditions were also prevailing in the famous tourist resort of Manali in Kullu district, the sources said.

Day and night temperatures in other mid and lower hills of the state had also plummeted following snow in the tribal areas and overcast conditions today.

The sky over Shimla and other adjoining areas was covered under a thick layer of clouds and the sources said rain or snow fall was likely to occur in the next 24 hours.

The state capital today recorded a minimum temperature of 5.7 degrees, as against 4.9 degrees recorded yesterday, while Sundernagr and Bhuntar recorded night temperatures of 3.2 and 2.2 degrees Celsius.

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