Srinagar, Jan 7: Night temperatures improved across Kashmir, with Srinagar recording a minimum temperature of 0.9°C, slightly above the freezing point, compared to the previous night’s -0.5°C, according to the Meteorological Department. The city also experienced bright morning sunshine, offering some respite from the biting cold.
In Gulmarg, a popular skiing destination in north Kashmir, the temperature dropped to -6.6°C, colder than the previous night’s -4.5°C. Pahalgam, a key base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, was the coldest place in the valley, with the mercury plunging to -7.8°C.
Elsewhere, Qazigund, known as the gateway to the valley, recorded a low of 0.4°C, while Konibal in Pampore registered -0.4°C. In north Kashmir’s Kupwara, the minimum temperature settled at -1.4°C, and Kokernag in south Kashmir recorded -0.5°C.
The Grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’
Kashmir remains in the icy embrace of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the harshest 40-day winter period that began on December 21. This phase is marked by a significant drop in temperatures and increased chances of snowfall, often leading to frozen water bodies and intensified cold.
‘Chillai-Kalan’ will conclude on January 30, after which the valley will transition into the 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and the 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold), signaling a gradual easing of winter’s grip.
The rising night temperatures, coupled with sunny spells, are offering some relief to residents, but the valley continues to brace for the remaining days of this harsh winter phase.
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