Intense cold wave in Himachal, more snow likely

Shimla, January 29

An intense cold wave saw most parts of Himachal Pradesh shivering on Tuesday with Shimla recording 0.8 degree Celsius. The hill state is likely to get more snow and rain.

"A western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region on January 29 causing widespread rainfall and snow in the state till February 1," an India Meteorological Department official here told IANS.

At many places the night temperature nose-dived to sub-zero, a weather official told IANS. Shimla saw mild snowfall on Monday as well.

The Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) in Manali have advised people not to venture in avalanche prone slopes that are loaded with snow.

An advisory has been issued for Shimla, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu and Kinnaur districts, a government statement said.

Manali experienced a low of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius, while it was 2.1 degrees in Dharamsala, minus 3.8 degrees in Kufri and minus 1.5 degrees in Dalhousie.

Kalpa, some 250 km from here, and Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district saw a minus 9.2 degrees and minus 16.2 degrees, respectively. — IANS