Cold wave persists in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 8: On Monday, there was a slight relief from the severe cold wave in Kashmir, although minimum temperatures remained several degrees below freezing due to clear skies.

The cold conditions led to the freezing of water in pipes in several parts of Kashmir.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) officials said that despite a prolonged dry spell and a 79 percent deficit in December rainfall, most plain areas of Kashmir experienced no snowfall, with the upper reaches receiving less snow than usual.

It forecasted mainly dry weather until January 12.

The MeT officials said that Srinagar city experienced a minimum temperature of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius on Sunday, a slight increase from the previous night's minus 5.6 degrees Celsius.

Qazigund recorded a low of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg, the ski resort in north Kashmir, recorded a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, slightly lower than the previous night.

The MeT officials said Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, up from the previous night's minus 6.5 degrees Celsius.

Kokernag town settled at minus 2.1 degrees Celsius and Kupwara at minus 5 degrees Celsius.

Kashmir is currently in the grip of Chillai Kalan, a 40-day harsh winter period characterised by a cold wave that leads to freezing temperatures and water bodies in the region.

During this period, there is a high likelihood of snowfall, particularly in the higher reaches.

On Monday, a thin layer of ice formed on the Dal Lake and other water bodies in Kashmir, causing difficulties for those living in houseboats to navigate through the frozen waters.

The Chillai Kalan would conclude on January 29, but cold conditions would persist with a subsequent 20-day Chillai Khurd (small cold) and a 10-day Chillai Bacha (baby cold).