Enormous icicles surfaced in large parts of the Himachal Pradesh with the minimum temperature remaining close to sub-zero on Wednesday, indicating the onset of a harsh winter ahead.
In Shimla, old-timers said icicles, a common feature till 1980s, have brought fresh memories of the past. They are conjuring up a delightful spectacle for tourists, too.
Icicle, a pendent spear of ice formed by the freezing of dripping rooftop water, indicates harsh winter.
The lowest temperature in the state was recorded in tribal district Lahaul and Spiti’s administrative centre Keylong at minus 11.1 degrees Celsius.
As the temperature dipped, river Chandra has partially frozen in Lahaul and Spiti.
The weathermen forecast crystal clear skies with chilly nights till the New Year dawns.
Manmohan Singh, Director of the Meteorological Office, said there would be no chance of snowfall till December 31.
Thereafter, the western disturbance was likely to get active from January 3 with chances of rain and snow. With IANS inputs