Srinagar, Dec 31: The biting cold tightened its grip on Kashmir as Srinagar recorded a bone-chilling temperature of minus 3.4°C, plunging 1.3°C below the seasonal norm.
The meteorological department reports that cold wave conditions persist across the region, with other key areas experiencing frigid temperatures.
Qazigund noted a minimum of minus 2.6°C, dipping 0.3°C below normal for this gateway town of Kashmir. Meanwhile, Pahalgam registered a low of minus 3.4°C, slightly above normal for this renowned resort in south Kashmir. Kokernag in south Kashmir reported a minimum of minus 1.4°C, with temperatures 1.3°C higher than usual.
In north Kashmir, Kupwara town recorded a low of minus 3.8°C, 1.3°C below the seasonal norm. The world-famous skiing destination, Gulmarg, experienced a chilling temperature of minus 3.5°C, surpassing normalcy by 2.7°C.
While Jammu witnessed a relatively milder night at 8.3°C, above normal by 0.9°C, other areas like Banihal reached minus 0.5°C, Batote settled at 4.0°C, and Bhaderwah experienced a low of 1.4°C.
Kashmir is currently in the clutches of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the 40-day harsh winter period extending until January 30. Following this, ‘Chillai-Khurd’ will persist from January 30 to February 19, succeeded by ‘Chillai-Bachha’ from February 20 to March 1.
The weather forecast predicts the possibility of light snow over higher reaches during the evening/night of December 31, while the period from January 1-3 is expected to be dry. From January 4-5, generally cloudy and dry weather is anticipated, with no significant weather activity expected until January 5. Stay warm, Kashmir!
Srinagar Records Minus 3.4°C as Chillai-Kalan Grips the Valley
