Shimla, Jan. 31 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of rain and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh from February 1, with a significant drop in temperatures expected over the following days.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, dry weather prevailed across the state during the past 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Saturday. Minimum temperatures remained normal to near normal at most places, while maximum temperatures rose appreciably at many stations, staying 2-3 degrees Celsius above normal.

The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti at -10.2 degrees Celsius, while the highest maximum temperature was recorded at Una at 24.2 degrees Celsius.

The IMD said a western distur...