Shimla:
Most parts of Himachal Pradesh, especially, the tribal belt and other higher reaches remained in the grip of severe cold wave with mercury staying below freezing point.
The minimum temperature dipped to minus 6 degrees Celsius at Keylong in tribal Lahaula and Spiti district while it dipped to minus 12 degree at Nako, Kunzam and Darcha.
The minimum temperature hovered around freezing point at Kalpa (minus 1 degree) and Manali (0.2 degree) while Bhuntar recorded a low of 3 degree, followed by Solan 4.6 degree, Sundernagar 5 degree, Palampur and Shimla 7 degree, Una 8 degree, Dharamsala 8.6 degree and Nahan 9.9 degree C.
The maximum temperatures stayed close to normal with Una recording a high of 25.7 degree, followed by Sundernagar 23.5 degree, Solan 23 degree, Nahan 20.5 degree, Bhuntar 19.9 degree, Kalpa 19.2 degree, Shimla 16.8 degree and Manali 14.2 degree C.
However, Dalhousie and Chamba recorded maximum temperatures at 10.9 degree and 22.5 degree, 8 degree and 6.5 degree below normal respectively.
The local MeT office has predicted dry weather in the region over next four days with no significant change in the mercury.