Chillai Kalan peaks
Srinagar, Jan 14: Biting cold intensified across Kashmir on Wednesday as minimum temperatures fell further in several districts, forcing residents to stay indoors and disrupting routine activities.
Meteorologists forecast light to moderate snowfall from January 19.
As Chillai Kalan, the 40-day coldest spell of winter, continues in Kashmir, Shopian emerged as the coldest place in Kashmir, where the mercury fell to minus 7.5 degrees Celsius, down from minus 6.3 degrees Celsius a day earlier.
Pulwama followed at minus 7 degrees Celsius, compared with minus 6.6 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, while Sopore recorded minus 6.9 degrees Celsius, slipping from minus 6.5 degrees Celsius.
In south Kashmir, Anantnag recorded minus 6.6 degrees Celsius, from minus 6.1 degrees Celsius, and Awantipora dropped sharply to minus 6.4 degrees Celsius, compared with minus 5.4 degrees Celsius the previous night.
Qazigund recorded minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, marginally lower than Tuesday’s minus 5 degrees Celsius.
Srinagar recorded a minimum of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius, down from minus 4.9 degrees Celsius, while the Srinagar Airport settled at minus 6 degrees Celsius, slightly colder than minus 5.8 degrees a day earlier.
Ski resort Gulmarg recorded minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, compared with minus 3.5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
In north Kashmir, Kupwara shivered at minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, down from minus 5.8 degrees Celsius, while Bandipora recorded minus 4.5 degrees Celsius, compared with minus 4.3 degrees Celsius earlier.
Baramulla saw a slight dip to minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, from minus 1.4 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures also dropped in Ganderbal, which recorded minus 3.7 degrees Celsius, compared with minus 3.1 degrees Celsius, while Sonamarg showed a sharp rebound, rising to minus 2.2 degrees Celsius from minus 7 degrees Celsius the previous night.
The meteorologist said a feeble Western Disturbance would approach J&K between January 16 and 18 and bring a light snowfall in high altitude areas.
From January 19 to 21, light to moderate snowfall is likely occur in Kashmir.
“Under its influence, both high altitude areas and plains may witness light to moderate snow and rains,” Meteorological Department officials said.
Meanwhile, residents from different parts of Kashmir reported disruptions to daily life due to the biting cold, with people limiting outdoor movement and relying heavily on heating through the night.
“The cold has become unbearable after sunset, and people are staying indoors as much as possible,” said Muhammad Yousuf of south Kashmir’s Shopian district. “Even routine activities have become difficult.”
Sajad Ahmad of Srinagar’s Lal Bazaar area said that people were avoiding unnecessary travel and stepping out only when it was necessary.
“It feels harsher than earlier this winter,” he said.
People across several north Kashmir districts expressed similar concerns, citing the intensifying cold.
