Srinagar, Nov 22: Night temperatures in Kashmir have continued to drop, with Srinagar recording its coldest night of the season so far, plunging to a chilling minus 1.2°C on Friday. The Meteorological Department reported further drops across the Valley, signaling the onset of harsher winter conditions.
In addition to Srinagar, Pahalgam saw the mercury dip to minus 2.3°C, while Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.6°C. As the cold deepens, residents are flocking to stores, with blankets, quilts, warm clothing, and woolen wear flying off the shelves in Srinagar and other towns. Local vendors on the streets are doing brisk business, with shoppers bargaining for winter essentials.
The drop in temperatures has led to morning frost, with water taps freezing, causing inconvenience for residents who struggle to thaw them. Many people are gathering around small fires to warm themselves and defrost taps. Commuters are facing difficulty as vehicle windscreens are covered with a thin layer of frost, adding to the morning chill.
Kashmiris are preparing for the upcoming 40-day winter period known as ‘Chillai Kalan,’ which begins on December 21 and lasts until January 30. During this time, temperatures plummet further, and roads, streets, and pedestrian paths become treacherously slippery, prompting many to stay indoors until the thaw begins.
Areas like Gurez, Tulail, and Zojila Pass have seen intermittent snowfall over the past two weeks, further intensifying the cold. Daytime temperatures hover around 5 to 7°C, making both day and night extremely cold throughout the ‘Chillai Kalan’ period.
Meanwhile, in the Jammu division, temperatures are comparatively milder. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 11.3°C, Katra 10.4°C, Batote 5.6°C, Banihal 2°C, and Bhaderwah 2.6°C.
