Gulmarg shivers at -8.2°C, minimum temperatures rise in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 18: Most places across Kashmir witnessed a rise in minimum temperatures on Saturday, though they remained below freezing while ski-resort of Gulmarg shivered at -8.2 degrees Celsius. Srinagar recorded a low of -0.9 degrees Celsius , a slight improvement from the previous night but still 2.0 degrees Celsius below the normal temperature for this time of the year, Meteorological Department officials said here.

In north Kashmir ski resort of Gulmarg, the overnight minimum temperature was recorded at -8.2 degrees Celsius.

While still harsh, the temperature provided a degree of respite compared to the extreme lows typical of the ongoing Chillai-Kalan period.

Pahalgam showed a significant rise in temperature. The mercury climbed to -3.4 degrees Celsius on Friday night, offering relief from the bone-chilling cold of the previous night, when the temperature had plummeted to a freezing -11.8 degrees Celsius.

In other parts of the valley, freezing temperatures persisted. Qazigund, known as the gateway town to the Kashmir Valley, recorded a low of -2.5 degrees Celsius, while nearby Kokernag registered -2.8 degrees Celsius. North Kashmir’s Kupwara recorded a minimum temperature of -1.3 degrees Celsius, slightly above the valley average for the season.

In the Jammu division, minimum temperatures were comparatively warmer but still reflected a seasonal chill. Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 8.5 degrees Celsius, while Banihal, located along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, registered -1.4 degrees Celsius. The hill town of Batote recorded 3.5 degrees Celsius, and the base camp town of Katra noted a minimum of 9.1 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average.

The Meteorological Department has forecast mainly dry weather in the Kashmir valley till January 19. Between January 20 to January 23, light snowfall is expected at isolated to scattered locations in Jammu and Kashmir, though no significant weather disturbances are anticipated. The weather is predicted to remain dry again from January 24 for at least three days.

Kashmir remains under the grip of Chillai-Kalan, the harshest phase of winter, which began on December 21. Lasting for 40 days, this period is marked by biting cold, freezing temperatures, and frequent snowfall. It is considered the coldest and most challenging time of the season, often disrupting normal life. Chillai-Kalan is set to conclude on January 30, after which temperatures are expected to rise gradually.