Kashmir continued to shiver under the grip of a severe cold wave, accompanied by dense fog, causing disruptions in normal life.
Foggy conditions persisted across most parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar, leading to reduced visibility and posing challenges for commuters.
The Meteorological Department officials said that Srinagar witnessed a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, slightly milder than the previous night’s minus 3 degrees Celsius, yet still 0.5 degrees Celsius below average for this time of the year.
Gulmarg ski resort in north Kashmir saw the mercury dip to minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, slightly lower than the previous night’s minus 2.6 degrees Celsius but still 3.4 degrees Celsius above normal.
Pahalgam, the tourist resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, a slight increase from the previous night’s minus 4.7 degrees Celsius but still 0.6 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average.
Kokernag, another health resort in south Kashmir, reported a minimum of minus 2.2 degrees Celsius, up from minus 2 degrees Celsius the previous night with temperatures exceeding the normal range by 0.5 degrees Celsius.
In Qazigund, the mercury dropped to a minimum of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius compared to the previous night’s minus 3 degrees Celsius, with temperatures remaining 0.9 degrees Celsius below the normal range for this gateway town in Kashmir.
Kupwara town in north Kashmir experienced a low of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, registering a decrease from the previous night’s minus 3.5 degrees Celsius, and staying 1.7 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average.
Meanwhile, Jammu recorded a minimum temperature of 7.6 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than the previous night’s 7.4 degrees Celsius, maintaining a 0.2 degrees Celsius above-normal status.
Banihal reported a low of 1.2 degrees Celsius, Batote 4.7 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 1.8 degrees Celsius.
Kashmir is currently experiencing Chillai Kalan, 40 days of harsh winter conditions lasting until January 29.
Following this, a 20-day Chillai Khurd period and a 10-day Chillai Bachha period will follow, extending the winter season.
The weatherman predicted generally cloudy conditions with a possibility of light snow over isolated higher reaches during the next 24 hours.
From January 1 to 2, the forecast anticipates generally cloudy weather with light rain in isolated places, followed by generally cloudy weather with light rain and snow at scattered places on January 3 and 4.
The Meteorological Department also expects generally dry weather with moderate to dense fog over central Kashmir, plains of Baramulla, Ganderbal, and Pulwama until December 31.
