: Cold wave conditions continued to intensify across the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday as the minimum temperature in Srinagar dropped to minus 0.4°C, marking the coldest night of the season so far, according to the Meteorological (Meet) Department.
“As expected, the minimum temperature dipped further in the Valley today,” a MeT official said. “Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season at minus 0.4°C. The temperature is likely to drop further in the coming days as cold, dry weather is expected to prevail over the next two weeks.”
The famous ski resort Gulmarg also recorded a low of minus 0.4°C, while Pahalgam, one of the coldest tourist destinations, shivered at minus 3.4°C.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 11.4°C, Katra (base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi) 10.4°C, Batote 4.3°C, and Bhaderwah 1.9°C, the MeT office said.
Meteorologists attributed the cold wave to clear night skies and icy winds descending from the snow-clad mountains surrounding the Valley.
The harshest phase of winter in Kashmir, known as ‘Chillai Kalan’, begins on December 21 and lasts until January 30. During this 40-day period, residents endure freezing temperatures that cause water taps to solidify, roads to become slippery, and heavy fog to hamper movement.
With schools lacking adequate heating systems, educational institutions across the Valley typically close for the winter recess by late December, resuming classes in mid or late February depending on snowfall and weather conditions.(KINS)
