Shimla shivers at sub zero temperature after mild snowfall

Shimla today shivered under piercing cold wave conditions following mild snowfall and sleet last night.The minimum temperature dropped to minus 0.1 degrees in Shimla as icy winds lashed the region after the snowfall.Thick ground frost occurred in Shimla and the surrounding areas, hampering vehicular traffic in the morning hours, while waterpipes froze and burst in several parts of the town.The sky remained overcast during the day and chilly winds swept the region, bringing down the maximum day temperature to 9.5 degree C.The minimum temperatures remained two to five degrees below normal, as Bhuntar, Solan, Una, Dharamsala and Sundernagar recorded a low of 1.4 degree, 2.0 degree, 2.1 degree, 2.5 degree and 2.6 degree C respectively.Mandi and Nahan also recorded minimum temperature at 4.2 degree and 4.3 degrees respectively, while Keylong and Kalpa in tribal districts of Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur recorded a low of minus 13.5 degree and minus 5.5 degree.The high altitude tribal areas reeled under biting cold wave conditions, with mercury staying between minus 17 and minus 25 degree C.The local meteorological office predicted dry weather during next 48 hours but isolated rains and snow on Saturday and Sunday.