cold wave revives in HP following snowfall

Chandigarh, Feb 14 (UNI) Cold wave revived in Himachal Pradesh following fresh snowfall while cold climatic conditions prevailed in Punjab and Haryana in the wake of rain overnight.

Although the minimum temperature hovered above normal in the plains of Punjab and Haryana, the maximum stayed eight degrees to ten degrees celsius below normal at most places, bringing in fresh spell of cold conditions in the twin states.

Parts of Himachal Pradesh reeled under severe cold wave conditions following more snow in high altitude areas and widespread rain in lower areas of the state. The cold wave is likely to extend more areas of the state, according to the Weather Office here.

The entire tribal belt reeled under intense cold wave conditions with the minimum hovering below freezing point. Kalpa in Kinnaur district recorded minus 4.5 degrees celsius.

The 13050-foot Rohtang Pass, access to Lahaul Spiti district, and Dhauladhar ranges, facing Kangra, also had fresh snowfall intensifying cold wave in Kullu and Kangra valleys.

Cold wave also swept Shimla and its adjoining areas in the wake of mild snow and sleet. The minimum temperature hovered minus 1.1 degrees celsius, four degrees below normal, in the capital town.

Lower areas of the state, including Bhuntar, Sundernagar, Pandoh, Dharamsala, Nagrota surian and Guler experienced rain.

Most areas in Punjab and Haryana were lashed by rain keeping the maximum temperatures below normal by ten degrees at Ludhiana, nine degrees each at Amritsar, Patiala and Chandigarh and eight degrees each at Ambala and karnal. The rain brought chill in the air.

Nangal recorded 11.8 mm rainfall, followed by Balachaur measuring 11.3 mm, Amritsar 9.7 mm, Mukerian 7.6 mm, Ludhiana 5.4 mm and Patiala 4.3 mm till this morning.

Kalka with 30 mm rain was the wettest place in Haryana while Ambala recorded 12.8 mm, Nelokheri 8.8 mm, Karnal 5.0 mm and Narnaul three mm.

Cold surface winds blew Chandigarh and its adjoining areas following rain overnight. The city measured 15.6 mm rainfall till 0830 hours.

The weather Office has predcited moderate to rather heavy rain or snow at most places in Himachal Pradesh and moderate to rather heavy rain or thundershowers at many places in Punjab and Haryana during the next 24 hours.

Hailstorm or thundersquall with speed exceeding 45 km per hour is likely to occur at isolated places in the area during the period.

Heavy rain or snow is likely to occur at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh and heavy rain at isolated places in north and north-eastern parts of Punjab and north Haryana during the next 24 hours.

UNI