Icy winds swept the plains of Uttarakhand on Saturday following heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of both Kumaon and Garhwal hills even as thick sheets of snow covered the mountains near popular tourist spots such as Nainital and Mussoorie.
Snowfall continued in the hills of Mukteshwar in Nainital district, which recorded a minimum of minus 8.7 degree celsius, while rains lashed various places in Kumaon region, including Pantnagar and Pithoragarh, the MeT department said. Dehradun in Garhwal belt recorded a minimum of 8.3 degree celsius, but overnight showers accompanied by thunders lashed the city adding to the chilly conditions. Though the residents awoke to a bright sunny morning on Saturday, there was no let-up in cold with icy winds blowing, it said. The snow-clad mountains of Dhanaulti could also be seen from Dehradun. Located about 25 kms from Mussoorie, the majestic hills of Dhanaulti are usually visible from the state capital on a clear day.
The MeT department said the weather was likely to clear at most places in the state on Sunday leading to a drop in minimum and a rise in maximum temperatures.
