IN KASHMIR AS COLD WAVE FURTHER INTENSIFIES, MET PREDICTS SNOW AND RAINS IN THE VALLEY

SRINAGAR: Kashmir valley and Union Territory of Ladakh continue reeling under a severe cold wave as the harsh period of winter has started, adding to the chill and sub-zero temperatures.

According to the MET department officials on Friday, the mercury settled in Srinagar at minus 4.3°C against minus 3.8 °C on the previous night. The temperature is almost three degrees Celsius below the normal for this time of the year in Srinagar where people endured the second coldest night at minus 6.6 °C in a decade on Saturday last, data released by the MET department said.

Other parts of Kashmir valley also witnessed sub zero temperatures including snow clad Gulmarg which recorded minus 5.6 °C, same as on the previous night. Similarly Pahalgam health resort of South Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.9 °C against 5.2°C on the previous night and was the coldest place in the entire Valley according to the MET data.

With harsh winter period yet to come to an end, a weatherman in Srinagar has predicted on this weekend a wet spell and some snow. According to this prediction “isolated to scattered light rain and snow” is indicated.

During this 40 days long winter spell, water supplies get disrupted and even many water bodies get partially frozen. Reports from Ladakh have suggested that Leh, Kargil and Drass are reeling under minus temperatures with advisory from UT administration of Ladakh to the aged people and children not to come out even during the day time.