At 11.8°C, city colder than Shimla

On the eve of New Year, Chandigarh, located in the foothills of the Shivaliks, was colder than Shimla as it recorded the maximum temperature of 11.8°C on Tuesday, which was 8 degrees below normal. Shimla, Queen of Hills and located around 7,000 feet above sea level, recorded the maximum temperature at 17.5 °C. Dharamsala saw the maximum temperature touch 19.9°C.

On being asked about the reason, experts say that the city has remained under a cloudy and foggy sky for the past two days, while the sun was shining brightly in Shimla and most parts of Himachal Pradesh.

The minimum temperature in the city was recorded at 9.4°C, which was 2.7 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature in Shimla was recorded at 6.4°C.

Meanwhile, the first day of the year is expected to be partly cloudy with shallow to moderate fog, while January 2 and 3 are likely to see partly cloudy sky, as per the Meteorological Department.

Residents had to take out their heating equipment, heavy woollens and quilts as the City Beautiful has been gripped by a cold wave.

The mercury had dropped in the city after it received 34.1 mm rainfall on December 27 and 28. Further, the department has stated that cold wave conditions are likely to prevail over the city till January 3.