A day after Himachal Pradesh experienced moderate snow and rain, most of the tourist resorts in the hilly state saw a sunny Thursday although the minimum temperature was below the sub-zero, weather officials said, adding there could be widespread snowfall and rainfall in the state between January 4 and 5.
Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti district was the coldest place in the state with a low of minus 11 degree Celsius. It experienced mild snowfall.
Kalpa in Kinnaur district, which recorded seven cm of snow, saw a low of minus 8.4 degree Celsius, while it was minus 4.2 degree in Manali, 2.4 degrees in Dharamsala and 0.6 degree in Dalhousie.
Manali and Dalhousie had mild rainfall.
The state capital registered a minimum at 1.8 degrees Celsius.
According to the weather office, western disturbances will remain active in the region till January 9, resulting in more snowfall and rains.
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Most of the prominent tourist towns like Shimla, Narkanda, Kufri, Kalpa, Dalhousie and Manali are likely to have light to moderate spells of snowfall.
The state disaster management authority said it was fully geared up to deal with heavy snowfall.
Disaster Management Special Secretary D.C. Rana said control rooms have been put on alert to deal with any situation.
Residents and tourists have been advised not to venture in the high hills as snapping of road links are high.
The supply of essential commodities and transportation of people may get hampered in remote areas of the state, a government official told IANS.
--IANS
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