Cold wave conditions persist in most parts of north India

Himachal Pradesh, J&K likely to get fresh snowfall over next couple of days

NEW DELHI: Cold wave conditions persisted in most parts of north India on Sunday as the weatherman forecast fresh snowfall and rain in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir over the next couple of days. In Himachal Pradesh, the meteorological department issued orange and yellow weather warning for heavy rain and snowfall for the next two days. Light rain, snowfall occurred at isolated places over the state in the past 24 hours.

Minimum temperatures decreased by 2-3 degrees Celsius with Shimla, Manali, Kufri, Dalhousie, Keylong and Kalpa shivering at sub-zero temperatures, said Manmohan Singh, director of Meteorological Centre, Shimla.

Under the influence of fresh western disturbance, the Met department forecast heavy rain, snowfall in middle, high hills from Monday to Thursday and thunderstorm in the plains, low hills of the state from Monday to Wednesday. The Met office issues colour-coded warnings to alert the public ahead of severe or hazardous weather, which has the potential to cause "damage, widespread disruption or danger to life".

Orange is for weather conditions that have the capacity to impact significantly, whereas yellow is the least dangerous among the warnings.