Srinagar, December 22: The frigid cold wave tightened its grip on Kashmir on Friday, with lakes and drinking water pipes freezing across the valley.
The second day of the 40-day-long period known as ‘Chillai Kalan,’ characterized by harsh winter cold, was observed on Friday, and it will persist until January 30. In various parts of the valley, lakes, including the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, partially froze, with boatmen navigating through the icy waters.
Residents in the region were observed lighting small fires around drinking water pipes to thaw them amidst the freezing temperatures. According to a statement from the Meteorological (MeT) office, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.3 degrees Celsius on the day, while Gulmarg and Pahalgam experienced temperatures of minus 1 and minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, respectively.
In the Ladakh region, Leh town recorded a bone-chilling minus 14.4 degrees Celsius, Kargil registered minus 9.9 degrees Celsius, and Drass saw a minimum temperature of minus 12.3 degrees Celsius.
Jammu city experienced a comparatively milder night, with a minimum temperature of 8.5 degrees Celsius. Other recorded temperatures for the night included Katra at 7.9 degrees Celsius, Batote at 6.3 degrees Celsius, Bhaderwah at 3.5 degrees Celsius, and Banihal at 3.8 degrees Celsius.
As the cold wave persists, residents in the Kashmir Valley are bracing themselves for more freezing days ahead, navigating the challenges posed by icy lakes and frozen water pipes.
