Kashmir witnessed a sharp return of biting cold after a short relief, with night temperatures dipping below the freezing point across most parts of the Valley, officials said on Friday.
Pulwama emerged as the coldest place, recording a minimum temperature of minus 4 degrees Celsius on Thursday night. Srinagar also saw a significant drop, with the mercury falling to minus 2.1 degrees Celsius, nearly two degrees lower than the previous night.
Dense fog blanketed Srinagar and several other areas, particularly around water bodies, during the early morning hours, affecting visibility.
In south Kashmir, tourist resort Pahalgam recorded a minimum of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag and Qazigund registered lows of 0.5 degrees and minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, respectively. In north Kashmir, Kupwara reported a minimum temperature of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius.
Gulmarg, however, remained relatively warmer, with the minimum temperature settling at 1.0 degree Celsius, according to weather officials.
The Valley is now preparing for the onset of Chillai-Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period, beginning December 21 and lasting until January 30. Meteorological officials said the chances of snowfall are highest during this phase, accompanied by a sharp fall in temperatures.
So far, Kashmir has not experienced any major wet spell this winter. The prolonged dry weather has led to a rise in seasonal illnesses such as cough and common cold. However, the Meteorological Department has forecast a spell of wet weather on December 20 and 21, coinciding with the start of Chillai-Kalan.
According to the MeT, moderate to heavy snowfall is likely in the higher reaches of the Valley, while the plains may witness light to moderate rain or snow, bringing an end to the extended dry spell.(KINS)
