Heavy snowfall in Shimla, rains in Punjab, Haryana

Chandigarh, Feb 11 (UNI) The capital tourist resort of Shimla experienced the first snowfall of the year, even as the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh reported heavy snowfall, while in the plains of Punjab and Haryana, moderate to heavy rains continued for the second successive day today.

Winds at the speed of 45 km per hour swept across the North West plains, affecting power supply at several places. Though the rain was considered good for the wheat crop, but Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) experts have warned that any further rain, accompanied by high velocity winds could damage the early varieties of the crop.

Night temperatures at several places in the region plummeted, with Shimla which recorded six inches snow, registering 0.6 degree Celsius. In the Union Territory of Chandigarh, the minimum went down to 10.0 degrees from 15.0 degrees recorded yesterday.

The weather office has predicted moderate to heavy rain or snow at many places in Himachal Pradesh and moderate to heavy rain or thundershowers at most places in Punjab and Haryana during the next 24 hours. Hailstorm or thundersquall with speed exceeding 45 km per hour is also likely to occur at isolated places in the area during the period.

The tribal districts of Lahaul Spiti and Kinnaur and Pangi valley and Bharmour area in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh had another spell of heavy snowfall plummeting the temperature in the tribal belt. Several places in Mandi, Kullu, Kangra and Sirmour district also reported snowfall.

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