Srinagar, Jan 5: The cold grip continues to hold Kashmir as the prospect of rain or snow remains elusive in J&K on Friday. The Meteorological (MeT) office offers little hope for precipitation in the plains over the next seven days, with only some potential for precipitation in higher elevations.

The absence of sufficient snowfall during the ongoing ‘Chillai Kalan,’ a 40-day period of harsh winter cold, poses concerns for perennial water reservoirs in the mountains. Adequate snowfall is crucial to replenish water sources, sustaining lakes, streams, rivers, and springs in Kashmir throughout the upcoming summer months.

Jammu city recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the season on Thursday at 4.7 degrees. Meanwhile, Srinagar experienced minus 3 degrees, Gulmarg minus 3.5 degrees, and Pahalgam minus 4.5 degrees as the minimum temperatures. Leh town in the Ladakh region faced a bone-chilling minus 13.9 degrees.

In terms of minimum temperatures, Jammu city registered 5.1 degrees, Katra 6.1 degrees, Batote 3 degrees, Bhaderwah 0.2 degrees, and Banihal minus 0.5 degrees.

The ‘Chillai Kalan,’ spanning 40 days, commenced on December 21 and is set to conclude on January 30. Despite the onset of this winter period, the awaited precipitation to alleviate the cold remains uncertain in the region.