Shimla, Jan. 28 -- Widespread rain and snowfall across Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours led to a sharp drop in temperatures, with several stations recording below-normal day and night temperatures, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday.

The IMD reported an appreciable fall in minimum temperatures at many places, while maximum temperatures at most stations dipped 4-8 degrees Celsius below normal. Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature at-6.1degC, while Bajaura in Kullu district logged the highest maximum temperature at 19.2degC.

Heavy to moderate rainfall was recorded in parts of the lower and mid-hills, with Bhuntar receiving 55.4 mm, followed by Seobagh (47 mm), Bilaspur (45.6 mm)...