Himachal freezes in sub-zero temperatures, Keylong coldest at -14.3°C; more snow, rain next week

Heavy snow and rainfall is forecast for Himachal Pradesh from January 13 onwards that will further intensify the severe cold wave conditions in the state that is already reeling under extreme cold owing to dry weather conditions.

Temperatures on Saturday remained below freezing in many places of the state, though the hills saw a slight rise in mercury.

“Heavy snowfall is likely to occur at some places in Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba districts and part of Mandi, Kangra and Sirmaur districts from January 13,” a weather official said.

Under the influence of the second western disturbance, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall or snowfall in the state from January 15-16.

Meanwhile, Keylong, the district headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti, was the coldest in the state at a minimum temperature of minus 14.3 degrees Celsius.

Kalpa in Kinnaur district saw a low of minus 5.5 degrees, while the minimum temperature was minus 2.8 degrees in Manali, minus 4 in Kufri, 3.6 degrees in Dalhousie and 2.6 degrees Celsius in Dharamsala.

The minimum temperature in the state capital of Shimla was 3 degrees.

SNOW-BOUND TOURIST DESTINATIONS

Snow could still be seen in several areas of Shimla such as the Mall Road, the Ridge, the US Club and Jakhu hills after this week’s heavy snowfall.

Areas near Shimla such as Kufri and Narkanda and the popular tourist resort of Manali are also covered under a thick blanket of snow.

The weather will be mainly dry in the state till Sunday.