As the sun shone bright on Friday across Hiamchal Pradesh, Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE), Chandigarh, has issued an avalanche warning in five districts of the state.
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) director Sudesh Kumar Mokhta said as per the DGRE, avalanche with low danger level is likely occur in next 24 hours Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Shimla and Chamba -- 2,500 metres above the mean sea level. He said people in such areas are advised to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel.
Meanwhile, Manali-Leh highway which was blocked for traffic due to avalanche near the north portal of the Atal Tunnel has been reopened.
200 roads blocked
Mokhta said 200 roads were blocked across the state due to snowfall earlier this week. As many as 140 roads were blocked in tribal Lahaul-Spiti district and 32 in Chamba district.
Power supply was disrupted in the remote areas as 284 transformers were yet to be fixed.
Mercury fluctuates as skies clear
The night temperature dipped in the plains, while the higher reaches saw a nominal rise as the weather improved across the state.
Keylong, the administrative centre of Lahaul-Spiti was coldest at -11.2°C, followed by -3.4°C in Kalpa and -0.8°C in Reckong Peo.
Shimla meteorological centre director Surender Paul said the average minimum temperatures were below normal on Friday. Manali recorded a low of 0.4°C, Narkanda 1.7°C, Dalhousie 3.5°C and Shimla 4.8°C.
{{/usCountry}}Shimla meteorological centre director Surender Paul said the average minimum temperatures were below normal on Friday. Manali recorded a low of 0.4°C, Narkanda 1.7°C, Dalhousie 3.5°C and Shimla 4.8°C.
{{/usCountry}}Snow, rain from today
The weather department has forecast a fresh spell of snow and rains across the state from Saturday.
“Light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur across the state on Saturday and Sunday,” said Paul, adding that a yellow alert for thunderstorm and lightning over the plains, low and mid hills has been sounded for January 29.