Cold wave grips Himachal Pradesh; water bodies freeze

Shimla, December 9

Intense cold wave gripped most parts of the state as the minimum temperatures dropped a few degrees though the weather remained dry.

The tribal people of Lahaul and Spiti reeled under piercing cold as the minimum temperature dropped to

-8.9°C, five degrees below normal, while high-altitude areas froze under sub-zero temperatures with the mercury staying between -9°C and -12°C. Kalpa, Manali and Kufri recorded a low of -1.6°C, -0.2°C, and 1.6°C, respectively, while Sundernagar, Solan and Shimla shivered at 2°C, 3°C and 4.9°C. The natural sources of water have started freezing in high-altitude tribal areas, reducing discharge and affecting hydropower generation. — TNS