Himachal in grip of cold wave, snowfall in higher reaches

Although the minimum temperature rose marginally today, it continued to remain below normal in most parts of the state.

Keylong, the district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti, recorded a low of minus 7 degrees Celsius, while Manali reeled under cold waves with mercury staying at 3.6 degrees, the Met office said.

Shimla recorded a minimum of 6.1 degrees, while the maximum temperature dropped 3 notches from yesterday's 16.2 degrees, they said.

Kalpa recorded a minimum of 1.5 degrees, Dharamshala 7.6 degrees, Una 5 degrees, Mandi 4.9 degrees, Solan 2.7 degrees and tourists resort of Manali at 1.6 degrees Celsius.

Various parts of the state, including capital Shimla and its surrounding areas, were also lashed by rain and thundershowers.

According to Met office, Tissa recorded 16 mm of rain , Saloni 11 mm, Dalhousie 9 mm, Kheri 6 mm, Manali 4 mm, Nurpur 2 mm, Dehra Gopipur and Dharamshala and Guler 1 mm each.

Meanwhile, the upper reaches of the state received moderate snowfall, with the Rohtang Pass recording a maximum of 45 cms.

Similarly, tourist resorts of Manali and Keylong received 8 to 10 cm of fresh snow, Met officials said.

The local MeT office has predicted rain or thundershowers at isolated places across the state during 24 hours.