Srinagar, Feb 22: Night temperatures witnessed a significant drop across the Kashmir Valley, with Gulmarg plunging to minus 10.4°C and Pahalgam to minus 8.6°C on Thursday, according to officials.
A meteorological department official in Srinagar reported that the capital city recorded a low of minus 1.0°C, marking a deviation of 1.9°C below the seasonal norm for this time of the year.
Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, experienced a minimum temperature of minus 4.4°C, reflecting a substantial drop of 4.3°C from the previous night.
In Pahalgam, a famous resort in south Kashmir, the temperature dropped to minus 8.6°C, significantly below the usual by 4.6°C.
Similarly, Kokernag, another popular destination in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 5.4°C, indicating a deviation of 4.7°C from the norm.
Kupwara town reported a low of minus 3.1°C, slightly below the seasonal norm.
Gulmarg, renowned for its skiing facilities, registered a low of minus 10.4°C, with temperatures dipping 3.7°C below the usual for this time of year.
In Jammu, the winter capital of J&K, the minimum temperature was recorded at 9.2°C, below the norm by 1.4°C.
Other areas like Banihal, Batote, and Bhaderwah recorded minimum temperatures of minus 3.2°C, minus 1.0°C, and minus 1.0°C, respectively.
The weather forecast indicates mainly dry conditions until February 26, with no significant weather activity expected. However, from February 27-29, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain/snow at scattered to fairly widespread places.
While the 40-day harsh period of winter, known as ‘Chillai-Kalan’, ended on January 29 and the 20-day-long winter period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ concluded on February 19, Kashmir is currently experiencing the middle 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold), which will culminate on March 1.
