Moderate to heavy snowfall in many parts of Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, has brought down mercury to sub-zero levels and increased the threat of avalanches in higher reaches of the State.
The ‘Queen of Hills’ Shimla, which received 5 cm of fresh snow, settled at 0.6 deg C. Higher areas of the State capital shivered under sub-zero temperatures, which resulted in freezing of water in supply pipes.
Winter sports enthusiasts were in for a treat as Solang Ski slopes received 40 to 70 cm of snowfall, while famous tourist resort Manali experienced 35 cm of snowfall.
The Jakoo peek and adjoining resorts of Kufri and Fagu were covered by 10 to 15 cm of fresh snow. Pre-dawn temperature hovered around freezing point in these regions.
Higher reaches of the State continued to experience snowfall for the sixth day, with Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district receiving 20 cm of white flakes. Kalpa in nearby Kinnaur district was covered under 50 cm thick white blanket.
The authorities have cautioned people against avalanche and advised them not to venture out during the day.
The Dhauladhar range in Kangra and other mountain passes also received fresh snow.
Mid and lower hills of the state received widespread rainfall with Jogindernagar in Mandi district being the wettest place, receiving 23 mm of rain.
Other places that received rains were Sunni (20 mm), Kheri (16 mm), Sandhol (15 mm), Sundernagar (14.2 mm), Seobagh (14 mm), Paonta Sahib (13mm), Bhuntar (12.5 mm), Karsog (12 mm) and Solan (11.8 mm).
The minimum temperature plummeted to 1.5 deg C in Solan, 2.7 deg C in Dharamsala , 3.4 deg C in Bhuntar and 5.2 deg C in Nahan and Sundernagar.
Weathermen have forecast more snow and rains across the State during next three days. They have also predicted two to three deg fall in night temperatures.
