Overcast conditions in HP

Shimla, Feb 3 (UNI) Overcast conditions in Himachal Pradesh have revived hopes of rain and snow in the state after experiencing an unusual dry spell during the winter season.

The entire state was under a layer of clouds after another bright and a sunny morning today before clouds covered the sky in the tribal districts of Kinnuar, Lahaukl Spiti, Chamba and Kullu and mid and lower hills of the state during the latter half of the day.

The overcast conditions have revived hopes of rain in mid and lower hills and snow in the higher altitude areas of the tribal districts of the state during the next 24 hours.

The met office said the minimum temperature at Shimla tumbled one degree to stand at 5.6 degrees Celsius, while the night temperature at Kalpa in Kinnuar fell to minus 1.3 degrees after recording point two degrees Celsius yesterday.

The night temperatures at Sundernagar and Bhuntar remained almost stable at 4.2 and 3.2 degrees, while the day temperature in Una, Hamirpur and parts of Kangra district fell by a few degrees today following overcast conditions.

The maximum temperature at Una town had last week reached a high of 31 degree Celsius, which was almost 10 degrees above normal for this time of the year.

Overcast conditions were also prevailing over Shimla and its adjoining areas after a clear sky in the morning.

Himachal Pradesh has experienced no rain and snow in the state in 38 years in January, Shimla Meteorological Office Director Manmohan Singh told UNI