Partially frozen water bodies mark winter’s embrace

Srinagar, Jan 3: Kashmir continues to experience an intense dry cold wave, with most water bodies freezing in parts and recording alarmingly low discharge levels even as moderate fog hit parts of Jammu on Wednesday.

Dal, Nigeen, Wullar, and all other lakes, streams, and rivers froze in parts while the water level in these dropped alarmingly low due to very scant snowfall and that too only in the mountains so far this season.

The Meteorological Department officials said that weather would remain mainly dry with a possibility of generally cloudy and dry weather over plains and very light snow over isolated higher reaches from January 4 to 5.

They said January 6 to 7 is expected to be mainly dry, with generally cloudy weather and a chance of light rain and snow over isolated higher reaches on January 8.

The severity of the cold wave persists, as Pahalgam registered a bone-chilling low of minus 6.6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Additionally, moderate fog has reduced visibility, causing challenges for commuters in the plains of Jammu, officials said.

Srinagar reported a low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, maintaining the same temperature as the previous night and standing 2.7 degrees Celsius below the normal for this time of the year.

The MeT officials said that Gulmarg ski resort in Baramulla district recorded a low of minus 3.8 degrees Celsius against minus 4 degrees Celsius the previous night and the temperature was 3.2 degrees Celsius above normal at the resort.

Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, 1.8 degrees Celsius below the normal.

Kokernag in south Kashmir recorded a minimum of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal by 0.3 degrees Celsius.

Kupwara in north Kashmir experienced a low of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, 2.8 degrees Celsius below normal.

In Jammu, the minimum temperature was recorded at 7 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal by 0.3 degrees Celsius.

Banihal, Batote, and Bhaderwah recorded lows of 1.6 degrees Celsius, 2.6 degrees Celsius, and 0.3 degrees Celsius.

Kashmir is currently amid Chillai Kalan, a 40-day harsh winter period set to conclude on January 29.

This period is succeeded by Chillai Khurd, lasting from January 30 to February 18, and Chillai Bache from February 18 to February 28.

As Kashmir battles the cold, residents are bracing for the continuation of severe winter conditions in the coming days.