Cold wave intensifies in Himachal

Shimla, Feb 22 (PTI) The cold wave sweeping most partsof Himachal Pradesh further intensified today with daytemperature falling by few notches due to clouded sky andchilly winds blowing across the region.

The maximum day temperatures were below normal in mostof the places, except Shimla and Solan.

Una and Mandi recorded a high of 22.4 deg C and 20.4deg C, two degree below normal, followed by Solan at 20.6 degC, Sundernagar 20.2 deg C, Nahan 19.3 deg C, Bhuntar 17.5 degC and Dharamshala 16.8 deg C.

Keylong in tribal Lahaul and Spiti district recordedminimum temperature of minus 13 deg C, six degree below normalwhile the day temperature dropped to 4.3 deg C.

Bhuntar and Solan recorded a low of 3.4 deg C and 3.7deg C, while Shimla, Sundernagar and Palampur recorded maximumtemperature around 5 deg C each.

Avalanche threat remained in high-altitude tribalareas due to significant rise in day temperature and peoplehad been advised not to venture out during the day.

The local MeT office predicted rain or snow atisolated places in lower, mid and higher hills during the next72 hours.