AMN
Snowfall in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and rains in the plains intensified the cold conditions 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 today also.
Delhi received its first spell of winter rains bringing down the maximum temperature to three notches below normal yesterday. Bad weather delayed 70 trains, while 16 had to be rescheduled and seven cancelled. However, flight operations at IGI Airport were not affected.
Heavy snowfall 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 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. Mercury fell below freezing point at most places with Gulmarg recording the lowest at minus 8.4 degrees Celsius. The arterial Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained closed for the second consecutive day due to heavy snowfall and landslides. Srinagar city and other weather stations across the Valley recorded minimum temperature close to freezing point. More snowfall and rain have been predicted in the Valley.
Chandigarh-based Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment issued medium danger avalanche warning for avalanche prone areas in Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Doda, Poonch and Reasi districts of Jammu and Kashmir till 5 PM today. Medium danger avalanche warning has also been issued for avalanche prone areas of Chamba, Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh.
In Uttarakhand, a number of places located above 2,000 metres in Kumaon and Garhwal regions received fresh snow, including Nainital and Mussoorie, while it has rained in most places in the plains. The mountain peaks of Dhanolti near Mussoorie were covered in a white sheet. Chardham, the four famous Himalayan shrines, are too covered with snow.
Cold wave swept Punjab and Haryana with maximum temperatures dropping sharply as heavy rains lashed several parts of both states including Chandigarh.