Upper Manali gets fresh snow

Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 22

Wintry conditions were revived as tribal areas and higher reaches experienced a fresh snowfall while mid and lower hills were lashed by intermittent rain, accompanied by strong winds.

The mercury stayed five to seven degrees below normal in most parts but rain brought relief to farmers. The post-winter rain deficit in March was reduced from 74 per cent to 60 per cent on Thursday. Normal life was disrupted in upper Manali areas as Rohtang Pass recorded 30 cm of snow, Kothi and Kalpa 25 cm followed by Keylong17 cm and Pooh 4 cm.

The sky was overcast, reducing the visibility considerably while icy winds lashed the state capital, Kufri, Naldehra and Fagu, forcing people to stay indoors.

Gohar and Reckong Peo were the wettest with 29 mm rain while Rohru recorded 28 mm, followed by Seobagh and Manali 26 mm, Bijahi 25 mm, Dalhousie and Hamirpur 24 mm, Una 23 mm, Sarahan 20 mm, Dharamsala 19 mm, Bharmaur, Palampur, Bhuntar and Kufri 18 mm, Shimla 17 mm, Narkanda15 mm, Jhanjehli and Dehra Gopipur 14 mm and Solan 12.2 mm. The maximum temperature stayed five to seven degree below normal and Una was the hottest with a high of 28.7 degree while Nahan and Sundernagar recorded 25.5 degree and 22.5 degree.

The fresh snow in tribal areas will help replenish the natural sources of water. The local Met Office has predicted dry weather in the region for six days from tomorrow.