Biting cold wave conditions abated in the state as the minimum temperature increased by a few notches and the weather remained dry due to overcast skies. Higher reaches in tribal areas of Keylong, Udaipur and Kalpa had recorded 2 cm of fresh snow. The state capital of Shimla, Bhuntar, Solan and Sundernagar, which shivered with the mercury hovering at the freezing point, recorded a low of 5 degrees Celsius, 5.4°C, 5.5°C and 5.7°C, respectively, an increase of four degrees since yesterday. Manali recorded a low of 3°C against -2.4°C yesterday. Keylong and Kalpa saw a rise in the mercury as the minimum temperature stayed at -8.4°C and -3.0°C, while Bharmour recorded a low of -12.1°C. The mercury showed an upward trend in lower hills also and rose to 7.7°C at Palampur, 6.4°C at Una, 6.2°C at Dharamsala, 2.5°C above normal and 5.6°C at Nahan. However, the maximum temperature in Solan and Una was recorded at 18.5°C and 18°C, Sundernagar 16.4°C, Nahan 15.7°C, Bhuntar 14.8°C, Shimla 13.6°C, Dharamsala 10.8°C and Kalpa 2.4°C. Winter sports lovers were a disappointed lot as skiing had not commenced at Kufri ski slopes and Narkanda as there was no snowfall. Ice-skating sessions were not being held due to the cloudy weather. The local Met office has predicted snow or rain in mid and higher hills during the next 48 hours. Rain, snow in Kangra valley KANGRA: The Kangra valley was lashed by rain this afternoon, while the Dhauladhars had snowfall, plunging the temperature considerably and adding to the severe chill. As the valley experienced cold wave conditions, most of the local residents preferred to remain indoors. People were seen lighting bonfires since morning in the town. Reports of rain during the night were received from Shahpur, Dhraman, Mallan, Palampur, Nagrota Bagwan, Icchhi, Gaggal, Ranital, McLeodganj, Bagsu Nag, Naddi and Dharamsala. High-altitude villages still under snow CHAMBA: Almost all villages of Pangi tribal subdivision, high-altitude villages of Bharmour tribal subdivision and about seven villages of Bhattiyat subdivision in the district continue to remain covered with snow. Reports said Banni, Banuni, Talai, Drabdu, Bainghla, Lohani, Phafreri and other hamlets of the Bhattiyat area were still snow-covered. The transportation services in these snowbound areas had also been disrupted, the report further said. Meanwhile, Forest Minister TS Bharmouri, who hails from Chamba district, said priority had been given to clear the roads of snow and resume transportation services.