Coldwave in HP despite dry weather

Shimla, Dec 8 (UNI) Residents of tribal areas and its surrounding areas in Himachal Pradesh continue to shiver under intense cold conditions despite almost dry weather in the state during the last 24 hrs, the met office said today.

Despite no report of snow and rain in mid and high hills and other areas of the state, the day and night temperatures in the tribal areas and higher reaches of the state were five to 12 degrees below freezing point.

The met office said snow clouds were hovering over the tribal districts of Kullu, Chamba, Kinnuar and Lahaul Spiti, adding, several areas were likely to receive snow and rain in the evenings, even as sky was clear over other mid and lower hills of the state.

The coldwave conditions continue to maintain its grip over the tribal and other surrounding areas during the last 24 hrs with Kalpa in Kinnuar district recording a night temperature of minus 4.2 degree Celsius, a slight rise from yesterday's minus three degree celsius, the met office said.

However, the state capital was lashed by light showers followed by sleet during the later half of the day, forcing tourists and locals to scurry for cover, following another bright sunny morning today.

The night temperature in Shimla was 3.8 degrees followed by six and four degree Celsius at Sundernagar and Bhuntar respectively, the met office added.

UNI AS SSC GC1715