Mercury remains low in many parts in region

Chandigarh, Dec 22 (UNI) People reeled under cold weather conditions as the minimum temperature stayed low in many parts of northwest India today.

A thick fog enveloped several areas in the region, reducing visibility to zero in Adampur, Halwara, Bhatinda, Sarsawa, Sirsa, Suratgarh and Hindon. The fog, however, disappeared as the day advanced.

Amritsar with 3.8 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal, turned out to be the coldest place in Punjab, followed by Ludhiana recording 6.9 degrees, one degree above normal. The minimum temperature dipped to 8.3 degrees in Patiala from 9.6 degrees registered yesterday.

The minimum temperature also declined in certain areas in Haryana where Narnaul recorded a low of 5.5 degrees. In Hissar, the minimum temperature dropped to 10.0 degrees but hovered six degrees above normal. The temperature also stayed three degrees above normal in Ambala recording 9.7 degrees.

A biting cold wave swept across Himachal Pradesh's tribal areas where the minimum hovered below freezing point. Kalpa in Kinnaur district showed minus 2.6 degrees.

Kangra and Kullu valleys were also under the impact of cold climatic conditions following further drop in the mercury. The minimum temperature stayed at 2.8 degrees Celsius at Bhuntar in Kullu district, 3.6 degrees at Sundernagar in Mandi district and 6.2 degrees in Una.

Shimla and its surrounding areas also reeled under cold climatic conditions although the capital town recorded 5.4 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal. Icy-cold winds blew across the town during the day.

Chandigarh and its adjoining areas in Punjab and Haryana were also under the imapct of cold climatic conditions as the minimum temperature fell to 8.0 degrees Celsius from 8.6 degrees, recorded yesterday.

The Met office predicted light to moderate rain or snow at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh and mainly sunny day with fog or mist occuring during night and morning in Haryana and Punjab tomorrow. Ground frost is likely to occur in Haryana and Punjab during the next two nights.

UNI VKJ SI RS1756