Minimum temperatures rise marginally across Kashmir
The minimum temperatures across the Kashmir Valley increased marginally on Friday, even as they remained several notches below the freezing point, a Meteorological Department official informed. "Srinagar city recorded a low of minus 6.1 degree Celsius, four notches below normal for this time of the year. The city had recorded a minimum temperature of minus seven degree Celsius the previous night," the official said.
Pahalgam tourist resort recorded minus seven degree Celsius
The minimum temperature in Gulmarg in north Kashmir's Baramulla district was minus six degree Celsius last night, up from minus 7.8 degree Celsius the night before. Pahalgam tourist resort, which also serves as a base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus seven degree Celsius, up from minus 9.3 degree Celsius the night before.
Other places in the Valley that recorded minimum temperatures
"Qazigund recorded a minimum temperature of 6.2 degree Celsius," the official said. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.8 degree Celsius, while Kokernag in the south recorded a low of minus 6.5 degree Celsius.
Water bodies in Valley have frozen due to intense cold
Several water bodies in the Valley have frozen due to the intense cold. A thick layer of ice on several roads in the city and elsewhere in the Valley has made it difficult for motorists to drive in the early hours. However, the situation normally improves later in the day as the Valley has been witnessing unusual winter sunshine.
Kashmir is currently in the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan'
Kashmir is currently in the grip of Chillai-Kalan, when the temperature drops considerably leading to the freezing of water bodies, including the famous Dal Lake and the water supply lines. While Chillai-Kalan began on December 21 and will end on January 31, the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day Chillai-Khurd (small cold) and a 10-day Chillai-Bachha (baby cold).
