New Delhi:
Cold conditions prevailed in most parts of northern India on Friday with the mercury dipping to sub- zero level at several places in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
Intense cold tightened its grip on Jammu and Kashmir with the state capital Srinagar recording a low of -2.7 degree Celsius as against Thursday's -2.2 degree Celsius.
The famous ski resort of Gulmarg settled at a low of -14 degree Celsius, while Pahalgam recorded minimum -8.4 degree Celsius.
Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, registered minimum minus 3.6 degree Celsius as against Thursday's -1.9 degree Celsius.
The mercury plummeted by over four notches in Leh and Kargil in cold desert region of Ladakh, with the twin towns recording a low of -17.6 degree Celsius and -15.0 degree Celsius respectively.
Cold waves continued to sweep most places in Punjab and Haryana.
Amritsar recorded a low of 3.8 degree Celsius, while it was minimum 8.4 degree Celsius at Patiala.
In Haryana, Hisar recorded a low of 7.5 degree Celsius, Karnal 6.2 degree Celsius and Narnaul 6.6 degree Celsius.
Chandigarh, the joint capital of the two neighbouring states, registered minimum 7 degree Celsius.
Mercury continued its downward spiral in tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh with Keylong shivering at minimum -14.5 degree Celsius, six points below normal.
Avalanche threat loomed large over tribal areas and people have been advised not to venture out for next two days and all schools have been closed till February 11.
Mercury hovered between -1.5 degree Celsius and -0.6 degree Celsius at the key tourist resort of Manali, bracing for winter carnival from Saturday, and Bhuntar.
Thick ground frost occurred at several places in the hill state and vehicular traffic was affected due to slippery road conditions.