As the new year dawned, Jammu and Kashmir continued to grapple with severe cold conditions, with the summer capital, Srinagar, recording a bone-chilling low of minus 5.2°C on Monday. The meteorological department confirmed that the minimum temperature in Srinagar was 3.1°C below normal for this time of the year.
According to the official, Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, witnessed a minimum temperature of minus 3.6°C, 0.7°C below normal. Meanwhile, Pahalgam, the renowned resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 5.7°C, 0.9°C above normal. Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, reported a minimum of minus 1.7°C, 1.8°C above normal.
In north Kashmir, Kupwara town recorded a low of minus 4.5°C, 2.0°C below normal, while Gulmarg, the world-famous skiing resort, registered a temperature of minus 3.4°C, 3.5°C above normal.
The winter capital, Jammu, saw a minimum of 7.3°C, slightly above normal, while Banihal recorded a low of minus 0.8°C, Batote at 3.1°C, and Bhaderwah at 0.6°C.
The Kashmir Valley is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ a 40-day harsh winter period set to conclude on January 30. Following this, a 20-day phase called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ and a 10-day period known as ‘Chillai-Bachha’ will follow.
The meteorological department has forecast mainly dry weather until January 3, with generally cloudy and dry conditions expected from January 4-5. No significant weather activity is anticipated until January 5, according to the weatherman. The persistence of the cold wave underscores the need for residents to take precautions against the harsh winter conditions.
