Jammu, November 15:  The temperature in the northern states of India including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand dropped considerably on Thursday after the states experienced fresh snowfall and rain. Several regions of Himachal Pradesh including Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, Shimla and Kullu districts witnessed heavy snowfall. According to details by the Meteorological department, some parts of the state witnessed heavy rainfall on Wednesday night.

The IMD has warned tourists and locals of more rain and snow till November 15. Also, an avalanche warning has been issued in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir. Himachal Pradesh’s Solang Valley Receives Fresh Snowfall, Tourists Overjoyed by Picturesque Site; See Pics. 

In Himachal Pradesh:

The temperature in several popular hill stations and tourist places in Himachal dropped in negatives. In Shimla, the mercury dropped to 3.3 degree Celsius and is likely to receive more snowfall in the next 24 hours. The temperature in Dharamshala was recorded 8.8 degree Celsius.

The minimum temperature in Keylong, Manali, Kalpa and Kufri has dropped below freezing point after the fresh snowfall. Tourist destination Manali in Kullu district received first snowfall of the season. Manali received 4 cm snowfall, Director of MeT centre Shimla Manmohan Singh said.

Jammu and Kashmir:

Jammu and Kashmir have received fresh snowfall in the last 24 hours. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned tourists and locals of more rain and snow till November 15.  The Kashmir valley is all set to receive fresh spell of rains and snowfall. The snowfall and rain have forced the closure of many roads, including the Srinagar-Leh highway and the Mughal road. Yamunotri and Gangotri Valley Receive First Snowfall of This Season.

Earlier this month, the Jammu and Kashmir government had declared the heavy snowfall in the Valley as a 'Special Natural Calamity'. The State Executive Committee (SEC) of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), headed by Chief Secretary B V R Subrahmanyam took stock of the extensive damages or losses caused due to unexpected and intense snowfall on November 3 and 4 in the Kashmir division. Jammu and Kashmir Government Declares November Snowfall As ‘Special Natural Calamity’.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) advised the chief secretaries of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir to closely monitor the situation and take precautions in the wake of the snowfall warnings issued by Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE).

"The State Governments are advised to keep a close watch, monitor the situation in those areas regularly and take precautionary measures. District Authorities be advised accordingly. It is also requested that MHA may be kept informed about any developments in this regard", the MHA said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 15, 2018 10:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).