Amid foggy conditions, Kashmir experiences some respite from intense cold

Srinagar, Jan 7: Kashmir witnessed a slight respite from the intense cold conditions on Tuesday, with the weather expected to remain dry in the coming days.

Srinagar, which endured record-breaking freezing nights last month, saw its minimum temperature rise to 0.9 degrees Celsius, providing some relief to people.

The city had earlier experienced freezing temperatures that left water bodies, including the iconic Dal Lake, and water pipes frozen. However, a slight improvement in mercury levels followed the fresh snowfall that blanketed the Valley two days ago.

Despite the relief from bone-chilling cold in Srinagar, high-altitude areas like Gulmarg and Sonamarg continue to shiver under severe cold. Gulmarg, a world-renowned winter destination for skiing, recorded a low of minus 6.6 degrees Celsius, while Sonamarg, located along the Srinagar-Leh highway, was the coldest spot in the Valley at minus 11.4 degrees Celsius. Another popular tourist destination, Pahalgam, registered a minimum temperature of minus 7.8 degrees Celsius.

According to the Meteorological Department in Srinagar, dry weather is expected in most parts of the Valley, with chances of light rain or snow in isolated areas between January 11 and 12. However, the department has warned of slippery road conditions due to freezing temperatures, advising tourists and commuters to follow traffic and administrative guidelines.

The weather office also predicted shallow to moderate fog over the plains of Kashmir and Jammu between January 7 and 10.

Night temperatures across Kashmir have risen slightly, with Srinagar recording a minimum temperature above freezing point at 0.9 degrees Celsius, compared to the previous night’s minus 0.5 degrees. The city also enjoyed bright sunshine in the morning, further alleviating the cold.

Elsewhere, Qazigund, the gateway to the Valley, recorded a low of 0.4 degrees Celsius, while Konibal in Pampore registered minus 0.4 degrees. Kupwara in north Kashmir saw the mercury dip to minus 1.4 degrees Celsius, and Kokernag in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius.

The region is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the harshest 40-day period of winter, which began on December 21. During this time, snowfall is frequent, and temperatures plummet to their lowest. ‘Chillai-Kalan’ will end on January 30, to be followed by the 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and the 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).