Mercury dips in Himachal after rain

Shimla, September 22

Temperatures across Himachal Pradesh fell on Saturday due to widespread rain. The weather bureau here said more rain is in store till Monday.

“Heavy to very heavy rain occurred at many places. Solan and Palampur towns recorded the highest amount at 50 mm each,” the regional meteorological office told IANS.

The mercury has come down several notches since Friday. Rain would continue in the region as western disturbances were likely to persist.

Dharamsala, Una, Kalpa, Palampur, Dalhousie, Manali and Kasauli towns have been experiencing rain since early Saturday. Shimla recorded 29.2 mm of rain.

Met office Director Manmohan Singh said the western disturbances--storm systems originating from the Mediterranean Sea and moving across the Afghanistan-Pakistan region--would remain active in the region till September 25.

Incessant rain has also caused landslides on national highways in Shimla, Kinnaur, Mandi and Kullu districts, hampering vehicular traffic.

The water level in major rivers--the Sutlej, Beas and Yamuna--which enter the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana has also increased.

Shimla on Saturday recorded a low of 13.6 degrees Celsius, a fall from Friday’s 14 degrees. IANS