Shimla records season's coldest at minus two degrees

Himachal Pradesh state capital Shimla Friday experienced more snow after two days of intermittent rainfall with the minimum temperature recorded at minus 2 degrees Celsius, the season's lowest.

The temperatures remained below the freezing point at most places in the state with widespread snow and rain, an official of the meteorological office here told IANS, adding that the western disturbances would withdraw Saturday.

Upper areas in Manali and the majestic Rohtang Pass in Kullu district saw 50 to 60 cm snow in the past 24 hours, while Bharmour in Chamba district had 20 cm snow.

Shimla's nearby tourist spots like Kufri and Narkanda also experienced fresh spells of snow.

Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.5 degrees Celsius, while the temperature was minus 6 degrees in Kalpa in Kinnaur district and minus 1 degree in Chamba.

Keylong and Kalpa towns recorded 7 cm and 8.6 cm of snow, respectively.

Manali saw a low of minus 1.6 degree Celsius with snowfall of 2 cm.

Una town was the wettest place in the state with rainfall of 44 mm. Palampur town in Kangra district experienced 39 mm rain.

The met department said western disturbance -- a storm system originating from the Mediterranean-Caspian Sea region and moving across the Afghanistan-Pakistan region -- would be active again in the region from Jan 25.