Kashmir witnessed slight relief from the harsh cold wave on Monday as minimum temperatures rose by a few degrees, though they continued to remain below the freezing point, officials said.
Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.4°C, an improvement from minus 5.2°C the previous night, even as sub-zero temperatures and clear skies led to partial freezing of Dal Lake and other water bodies.
South Kashmir’s Pulwama emerged as the coldest place in the Valley with a low of minus 6.5°C. Tourist resorts Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded minimum temperatures of minus 3.4°C, while Sonamarg settled at minus 2.4°C. Qazigund recorded minus 3.4°C, Kupwara minus 3.7°C and Kokernag minus 1.8°C.
Kashmir is currently observing ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh winter period that began on December 21 and will end on January 30. Despite the intense cold, the plains of the Valley have not received snowfall so far this season.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast dry but cloudy weather in the region till January 21.(KINS)
