Himachal hills, valleys receive more snow, rains

SHIMLA - The current cold wave continued unabated in the hills of Himachal Pradesh as the higher reaches had another spell of moderate snowfall while the mid and lower hills experienced rain Saturday, the weather office here said.

This state capital reeled under severe cold wave conditions as the minimum temperature was a mere 1.7 degrees Celsius.

Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district was the coldest place in the state with the mercury touching a low of minus 8.4 degrees. It has recorded 45 cm of snow since Friday morning.

Kalpa, a picturesque town in Kinnaur district that saw 21.5 cm of snow, recorded the minimum temperature at minus 3.5 degrees, while it was 4.8 degrees in Bhuntar and 3.3 degrees in Dharamsala.

“The entire tribal belt in Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti and Chamba districts witnessed moderate snowfall during the past 24 hours,” a weatherman here said.

The lower areas of the state, including Dharamsala, Shimla, Solan, Nahan and Mandi received moderate rain.

Tourist spots near Shimla, like honeymooners’ paradise Kufri, Fagu and Narkanda also experienced fresh snowfall, triggering a rush of tourists there.

Likewise, snowfall was experienced in the Solang Valley, known for ski slopes near Manali in Kullu district.

More snow on the ski slopes brought cheer to the faces of ski lovers who have come from different parts of the country to undertake courses being organised by state-run Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports.

The courses - both for amateurs and professionals - began Jan 11 and will continue till the onset of summer.

More snowfall was also recorded at Hatu Peak and Khara Pather of Shimla district, the Dhauladhar range of Kangra district, Pangi and Tissa ranges of Chamba district, and Shrikhand Kailash of Kinnaur district.

The Met Office here has forecast rain or snow in higher hills till Saturday evening.