North remains in grip of piercing cold

However, the maximum temperature settled two notches above normal at 23.3 degrees Celsius in the national capital which experienced a sunny and pleasant day.

The minimum in Delhi was 6.7 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal and same as yesterday, as mercury fell elsewhere in the region.

Kashmir was back grappling with the biting cold which made a return after a day's respite as night temperatures across the Valley dropped.

The week-long spell of dry and intense cold had seen a shift on Sunday night when parts of the Valley received light snowfall which saw temperatures inching upwards.

However, the mercury went below freezing point last night with Srinagar registering a low of -1.6 degrees Celsius. The minimum recorded in the summer capital the previous night had been -0.4 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperature in scenic Pahalgam dipped to -7.1 degrees Celsius, down two notches from -5 degrees Celsius the previous night, while the ski resort of Gulmarg shivered at a low of -6.3 degrees Celsius.

Himachal Pradesh, which had little overall relief from the cold, reported a marginal drop in minimum temperatures as well as a slight rise in maximum temperatures in some parts of the state.

Picturesque Manali registered a low of -3.0 degrees, a drop of six degrees from yesterday, while Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district was coldest zone in the state at -9.6 degrees.

The local forecast is for dry weather over the coming 48 hours and rain or snowfall in the higher reaches from January 31 onwards. MORE