IMD predicts more snow, rain as cold wave tightens grip on North
Hindustan TimesA cold wave has gripped large swathes of northern India, with fresh snowfall blanketing the upper reaches and pushing temperatures below zero at several places in the Himalayan region. According to the India Meteorological Department, the cold wave conditions are likely to continue for a week, with the possibility of fresh scattered snow and rain in the region between January 1 and 3. Gulmarg, a tourist resort town in north Kashmir known as a skiing hub, recorded a night temperature of -10°C on Monday, down by two degrees compared to the previous night, the meteorological department said. Sandeep Kumar Sharma, senior official, IMD Shimla, said, “Cold wave conditions are likely to continue at few places in the plain areas of Himachal Pradesh for next two days. Bikram Singh, director IMD Dehradun Centre said, “ Dry spell will prevail for the next one week in all districts of the state while moderate to dense fog is likely over Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts.” In the plains of India, cold wave conditions prevailed in Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab.