Srinagar, Jan 11: The relentless grip of an intense cold wave persists in Kashmir, as sub-zero temperatures continue to afflict the valley, and no relief is anticipated in the coming days, according to officials on Wednesday.
A dry and snowless winter in Kashmir has led to freezing nights and uncharacteristically warmer days. Srinagar’s daytime temperatures are reported to be more than eight degrees above the normal for this time of the year.
Jammu, the winter capital, has experienced colder temperatures than Srinagar in recent days, registering a high of 9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, which was nine degrees below the seasonal norm. Dense fog has enveloped Jammu, contributing to the drop in temperatures.
On Wednesday night, Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.0 degrees Celsius, consistent with the previous night. Qazigund reported a low of minus 4.6 degrees, while Gulmarg recorded minus 3.5 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam, a key base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, experienced a minimum temperature of minus 6.3 degrees Celsius.
Kokernag settled at minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara recorded minus 5.3 degrees Celsius. The region is currently in the grip of “Chilla-i-Kalan,” a 40-day harsh winter period marked by a cold wave, causing a considerable drop in temperatures and the freezing of water bodies and pipes.
Despite the ongoing winter season, Kashmir has witnessed a prolonged dry spell, with a 79% deficit in rainfall for December. The first week of January brought no precipitation, and the chances of snowfall are expected to be highest during the ongoing “Chilla-i-Kalan.” The meteorological department forecasts mainly dry weather until January 12.
“Chilla-i-Kalan” is set to conclude on January 31, but cold conditions will persist with a subsequent 20-day “Chilla-i-Khurd” (small cold) and a 10-day “Chilla-i-Bachha” (baby cold).
