Snowfall forecast for next week in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is likely to receive snowfall next week leading to further decrease in temperature across the state which is already in the grip of an intense cold wave, the Meteorological Department said on Saturday.

The prediction means more tourists would be visiting the state in the coming days to enjoy the picturesque snow-covered landscape.

The middle and high hills of the state may witness rain, snowfall from December 10 to 13, Shimla MeT centre director Manmohan Singh said.

The plains and low hills of the state are likely to receive rain and thundershowers from December 11 to 13, he added.

Meanwhile, intense cold wave conditions continued unabated in Himachal Pradesh with Lahaul-Spiti's Keylong recording the lowest temperature at minus 9.4 degrees Celsius.

Kinnaur's Kalpa recorded a minimum of minus 0.4 degree Celsius and Manali recorded a low of minus 1.2 degrees Celsius, he added.

Shimla and Kufri recorded a low of 6 degrees Celsius each while Una and Dalhousie recorded minimum temperature of 6.3 and 7.3 degrees Celsius, respectively, Singh said.

The highest temperature in the state was recorded in Una at 26.4 degrees Celsius, he added.