North India reeling under severe cold conditions

Amritsar/Kullu, Dec 21 (ANI): Extreme winter conditions continue to send shivers across India on Wednesday.

Streets in an otherwise crowded Amritsar, wore a deserted look as the local residents preferred to stay indoor to beat the chill.

A daily commuter, Harmeet Singh said that he has been braving the chill every morning, while on his way to work.

"I am into electrical work, I go to work every morning, and feel very cold. The chilly weather in Amritsar is similar to that of Srinagar. People face a lot of problems due to cold, but they enjoy also," he said.

The vehicular movement also remained slow on roads due to the fog on the main road.

According to the meteorological forecast the minimum temperature in the city was around eight degrees Celsius and is expected to drop as low as 4 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

In Himachal's Kullu District, residents tried to find warmth by lighting bonfire.

Street vendors did brisk business selling tea as residents flocked their stalls.

An auto driver Shyam said that due to snowfall at the higher altitudes, the lowlands were witnessing severe chill.

"There has been snowfall in the hilly areas due to which the cold has increased here, which has made it very difficult for the people to work during the morning and the evening. The people are living in harsh conditions here," he said.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, minimum temperature in most parts of northern India is likely to remain 2 to 3 degrees Celsius below normal, with the mercury likely to witness a dip in the coming days. (ANI)