NEW DELHI: Snowfall in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and rains in the plains intensified the cold conditions today in the northern region including the national capital.
Avalanche warning was issued for several areas in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh and the wet weather is likely to continue in the hill states tomorrow also.
Delhi received its first spell of winter rains today bringing down the maximum temperature to three notches below normal.
Bad weather delayed 70 trains, while 16 had to be rescheduled and seven cancelled. However, flight operations at IGI Airport were not affected.
The maximum temperature was recorded at 16 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal while the minimum settled at 13.5 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal,” a MeT official said, adding the rainfall received till 8.30 AM was 3.4 cm while only traces were recorded during the day.
The first heavy snowfall of the season in Shimla and Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh disrupted traffic, telecommunication links and supply of power and water while a large number of tourists were stranded. In Shimla, the mercury dropped sharply to 0.2 degrees Celsius.
Traffic was brought to a halt beyond Shoghi, 13 km from Shimla which received 40 cm of snow till this noon. Tourist resorts of Kufri, Fagu and Narkanda had 45-55 cm of snow. Traffic has been suspended on Kullu-Manali road. Rohtang Pass and adjoining areas are covered under 60 cm thick snow.
Kashmir Valley remained cut off from the rest of the country for the second day due to heavy snowfall in many areas over the past four days while the mercury fell below freezing point at most places with Gulmarg recording the lowest at minus 8.4 degrees Celsius. (AGENCIES)
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