Sub-zero saga continues in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 10: Kashmir continued to reel under intense cold conditions on Friday as minimum temperatures remained several degrees below freezing, Meteorological Department officials said while predicting light snowfall in the higher reaches starting Saturday.

Kashmir has been experiencing clear skies over the past few days, which, while allowing bright sunshine during the day, has contributed to significant drops in night temperatures.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, slightly up from minus 4.4 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Gulmarg, in north Kashmir, registered a low of minus 8.1 degrees Celsius, a slight relief from the previous night’s minus 9.6 degrees Celsius.

Pahalgam saw its temperature settle at minus 10 degrees Celsius, marginally up from minus 10.4 degrees Celsius.

In other parts of Kashmir, Qazigund recorded a minimum temperature of minus 7.6 degrees Celsius.

Konibal in Pampore logged minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded minus 5.6 degrees Celsius.

Kokernag in south Kashmir experienced a minimum of minus 5.7 degrees Celsius.

According to the Meteorological Department, dry weather is expected to persist on Friday, with the likelihood of light rain or snow at isolated places over the weekend.

No major weather changes are anticipated in J&K until January 13.

Kashmir is currently in the midst of Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harshest period of winter that began on December 21.