The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Dec 30: As the cold wave tightens its grip on Kashmir, the minimum temperatures persist below freezing point across the valley. Despite a slight respite in the early morning fog that had shrouded the region for the past few days, residents continue to grapple with the biting cold.
According to a meteorological department official, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.8°C, marginally warmer than the previous night. However, this remains 0.7°C below the normal temperature for the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir at this time of the year. Notably, Srinagar and other parts of the valley witnessed a fog-free morning.
Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, reported a minimum temperature of minus 2.0°C, indicating a milder night compared to the previous one. Pahalgam, the renowned resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 4.1°C, slightly above the normal temperature for this time of the year.
Kokernag in south Kashmir saw a minimum temperature of minus 1.3°C, remaining above normal by 1.4°C. Meanwhile, Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 2.3°C, while Gulmarg, the world-famous skiing resort, maintained a temperature of minus 2.5°C.
Jammu, the winter capital, recorded a minimum temperature of 7.7°C, slightly above normal. Banihal, Batote, and Bhaderwah reported lows of 1.2°C, 2.2°C, and 2.2°C, respectively.
The Kashmir valley is currently in the midst of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ a 40-day period of harsh winter lasting until January 30. Following this, ‘Chillai-Khurd’ will span from January 30 to February 19, succeeded by ‘Chillai-Bachha’ from February 20 to March 1.
The weather forecast indicates generally cloudy but dry conditions in the coming days. However, there is a possibility of light snow over higher reaches during the evening/night of December 31. From January 1-2, the weather is expected to be dry, with generally cloudy conditions and light rain/snow forecasted at isolated places on January 3-4. Stay tuned for further updates.
