SRINAGAR, Jan 17: Following a fresh spell of snowfall in Kashmir, temperatures have dropped significantly across the region, with cold conditions prevailing, the Meteorological Department said on Friday.
Snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches of Kashmir and several areas in the plains on Thursday. As a result, the night temperatures fell at most places in the valley, further intensifying the winter chill.
In Srinagar, the minimum temperature was recorded at minus 2°C on Thursday night, slightly higher than the previous night’s minus 2.5°C. The popular tourist destination of Gulmarg in north Kashmir registered a low of minus 7°C, while Pahalgam, a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, experienced a sharp drop to minus 11.8°C, over seven degrees colder than the previous night.
Other parts of the region also saw a drop in temperatures, with Qazigund at minus 2.4°C, Konibal in Pampore at minus 2°C, Kupwara at minus 2.7°C, and Kokernag at minus 2.4°C.
The meteorological office has forecast mainly dry weather in the Kashmir Valley until January 19. However, light rain or snow is expected at scattered places between January 20 and 22.
Kashmir is currently experiencing ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the harshest period of winter, which began on December 21. This 40-day phase sees the lowest temperatures and the highest likelihood of snowfall. ‘Chillai-Kalan’ will end on January 30, followed by the 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and the 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) periods.
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