Fresh snow at Kufri, rain in plains

Chandigarh, Feb 19 (UNI) Tourist resorts of Kufri and Naldehra and higher reaches in Himachal Pradesh experienced fresh snowfall while lower areas in the state and plains of Punjab had rain overnight.

The minimum temperature hovered one degree to two degrees celsius below normal at most places in the region. However, chilly winds swept the plains of Punjab following showers even as a bright sunshine greeted the people during the day.

Tourist places of Kufri and Narkanda in Shimla district had another spell of snowfall last night. Kufri recorded 5 cm snow and Narkanda about 7 cm to 10 cm snow, a report from Shimla said.

High altitude areas in the tribal districts of Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur and Pangi valley and Bharmour area in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh had another spell of snowfall last night, dipping the temperatures in the tribal belt. The minimum temperature hovered minus 5.7 degrees Celsius at Kalpa in Kinnaur district.

The 13050-foot high Rohtang Pass, gateway to Lahaul Spiti district, and Dhauladhar mountain ranges, overlooking the Kangra valley, also experienced snowfall aggravating cold climatic conditions in the twin valleys of Kullu and Kangra.

Lower areas in the state, including Pandoh, Naudaun, Guler, Nagrota Surian, Bhuntar and Sundernagar areas were lashed by rainfall.

Cold conditions prevailed in Punjab in the wake of rains. Amritsar Ludhiana and Patiala were also lashed by downpour. Amritsar recorded the minimum temperature at 5.8 degrees celsius, the lowest in the plains. Ludhiana showed 7.3 degrees, two degrees below normal, while Patiala registered 9.0 degrees, one degree down.

The minimum temperature also remained low at various places in Haryana. Ambala and Karnal respectively recorded 9.3 degrees and 9.2 degrees Celsius.

Cold winds swept Chandigarh and its adjoining areas in the morning following rain overnight. The city recorded the minimum temperature at 12.2 degrees, three degrees above normal.

The Weather Office has predcited rain or snow at few places in Himachal Pradesh and rain or thundershowers at isolated places in Punjab and Haryana during the next 24 hours.

UNI