Cold weather sweeps Himachal, heavy snowfall predicted

Biting cold wave conditions continue to sweep most parts of Himachal Pradesh, with MeT department issuing a warning of heavy snowfall or rains next week.
High altitude tribal areas and mountain passes had another spell of mild snowfall as strong velocity icy winds lashed the region, causing fall in day temperatures in adjoining valley areas, the MeT office said.
It has warned of heavy snowfall or rains in mid and higher hills on January 24 and 25 and predicted rains or snow at many places in mid and higher hills from January 24 to January 27 and rains and thundershowers in lower hills.

The department said another Western Disturbance as an upper air cyclonic circulation lies over north Pakistan and adjoining Afghanistan which could affect the Himalayan region.
The high altitude tribal areas groaned under piercing cold wave conditions with mercury staying between minus 15 and minus 20 degree Celsius while Keylong in tribal Lahaul and Spiti district recorded a low of minus 12.1 degree Celsius, followed by Kalpa at minus 2.0 degrees and Manali at minus 1.0 degree Celsius.
Solan and Sundernagar shivered at 3.0 degree and 3.5 degree, followed by Bhuntar 4.5 degree, Shimla 6.4 degree Celsius, Palampur and Una 6.5 degree, Dharamsala 7.0 degree and Nahan 9.2 degree Celsius.

Solan was hottest during the day with maximum temperature rising to 22.5 degree Celsius while Una and Nahan recorded maximum of 17.7 degree and 16.8 degree Celsius, followed by Sundernagar 14.5 degree, Dharamsala 13.2 degree, Bhuntar 13.0 degree, Shimla 12.0 degree Celsius, 9.5 degree and Kalpa 3.6 degree Celsius.