Snow, Rain hits Himachal

The cold wave in Himachal Pradesh intensified today after widespread snowfall in the higher reaches and rain in the state capital and in the lower areas. Snowfall was also reported from higher regions of Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba and Kullu.

While Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti recorded about one-and-a-half inch of snow, high altitude areas of Pangi-Bharmour witnessed snowfall since the morning. Tourist destination of Dalhousie saw snowflakes.

Shimla witnessed a sharp decrease in temprature after light rain in the morning with the day temperature being recorded at 11.7 degree celsius. Snowfall was reported from Hatu peak at Narkanda and Kufri near Shimla. Kufri recorded a snowfall of 8 cm by evening, a report said. Touirst destinations of Manali and Rohtang Pass also recorded snow during the day.

Traffic to Rampur and Kinnaur was affected at Kufri and Narkanda and traffic to Rohru was also disrupted at Kharapathar due to snowfall at these places. Lower hills of the state experienced rainfall during the day bringing cheers to farmers for the rabi crop.

In Sundernagar, the day temperature settled at 19.1 degrees, 13.8 degrees in Bhuntar and 14.8 degrees in Dharamsala, while Keylong recorded minus 1.7 degrees and Kalpa recorded a minimum temprature of minus 3.2 degree celcius, the Met department said.

More rain and snow has been predicted by the Met department for the next two days all across the state.