Snow and rain to intensify cold wave in HP

Shimla, Feb 9 (UNI) Cold wave conditions were likely to intensify in Himachal Pradesh with the met office here predicting snow at all the high altitude areas and widespread rains in the mid and lower hills of the state during the next 48 hrs.

''The strong western disturbance laying over Northern Pakistan and adjoining Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is likely to bring rain in mid and lower hills and snow in the higher areas of the state during the next 24 hrs,'' Shimla Meteorological Office Director Manmohan Singh told UNI here.

He said the thick cloud cover over the entire northern region of the country was likely to bring rain and snow and intensify coldwave conditions in the state.

Higher areas of the tribal districts of Kinnuar and Kullu reported mild intermittent snowfall last night and early today, while light showers were lashing the lower areas of the district.

Snow clouds were hovering over the other tribal districts of Lahaul Spiti and Chamba and the met office said rain was likely in the mid and lower hills of the state likely during the next few hours.

The met office said the minimum temperature at Patsio in Lahaul Spiti and Kalpa in Kinnaur stood at minus five and minus one degree respectively.

Dark clouds covered the sky over Shimla and other adjoining areas and cool winds blowing across the town forced people to remain indoors.

Palampur in Kangra district recorded a low of nine degrees, followed by 8.3 at Dharamshala, 6.5 at Nauni in Solan district, 6.1 at Sundernagar, six at Bhuntar and 4.2 degrees at Shimla, the met office added.

UNI