Fresh snowfall in tribal districts of HP

Shimla, Jan 5 (UNI) Piercing cold conditions are prevailing in Himachal Pradesh following fresh snowfall in the mid and lower hills of the state since this morning, while thick clouds engulfed the sky elsewhere in the state.

Almost all valleys, mountain peaks and important passes in the higher altitude areas of Kinnuar, Lahaul Spiti, Kullu Chamba and Mandi are experiencing snowfall since this morning, plummeting temperatures in the entire state.

The 13,050 feet high Rohtang Pass, also known as the gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Chuhar Valley, Chicchot, Ruhanda, Shikari Devi, Prasar Valley and upper reaches of Karsog in Mandi district, were also experiencing snowfall.

Overcast conditions were prevailing in the lower areas, including Shimla town, of the state, forcing people to remain indoors.

Light showers were lashing the famous tourist resort of Manali in Kullu district besides isolated places in the state following the presence of western disturbance over the state.

The sky remained under a thick layer of clouds throughout the day and the met office said there was every possibility of precipitation during the night.

It said light to moderate rain was expected in the lower areas and snow in the higher areas of the state during the next 72 hrs.

Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 4.2 as against 3.3 degree Celsius recorded yesterday, while it rose appreciably in Sundernagar and Bhuntar to 3.4 and 3.2 degrees from yesterday's low of minus 3.4 and minus 0.5 degrees respectively.

The maximum temperatures recorded at Shimla, Sundernagar and Bhuntar were 11.4, 14.9 and 19.9 degree Celsius, the met office said.

The met office has forecasted more rain and snow in the state during the next 24 hrs.

UNI XC AS PS BK1949