Cold wave intensifies in Himachal, minimum temperature dips

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 7

Piercing cold wave sweeping the state further intensified today. Minimum temperatures dropped by few notches as strong velocity icy winds continued to lash the region.

As many as 238 roads were still blockedwhich include 162 in Lahaul and Spiti, 46 in Chamba, 18 in Kullu, eight in Kinnaur, three in Mandi and one in Shimla district.

The sky remained overcast and pale sun failed to warm the region. State capital Shimla had partially overcast sky in the morning and thick fog engulfed the town as the day advanced. Water pipes froze and burst at many places in mid and higher hills.

Barring scattered light rains at isolated places, the weather remained dry in the region. Dalhousie was wettest with 18 mm rains while Chamba recorded 9 mm rains, followed by Shahpur and Bhoranj 6 mm, Baldwara 5 mm, Palampur 3.5 mm and Guler, Sujanpur Tira, Kangra and Nahan 3 mm.

Keylong and Kalpa in tribal districts of Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur recorded minimum temperatures at minus 9.0°C and minus 4.1 °C while Kufri, Manali and Dalhousie shivered at minus 1°C, 0°C and 1.5°C. Keylong was the coldest during the day also at minus 1.2°C while Dalhousie and Kalpa recorded minimum temperatures at 3.7°C and 4°C, followed by Kufri at 5.1°C, Manali at 7°C and Shimla at 9.8 °C while Sundernagar was the warmest during the day at 17.7 °C.