Cold wave conditions persist in the Kashmir Valley
Cold wave conditions continued in Kashmir on Saturday as the mercury stayed several degrees below freezing point across the Valley. The extreme subzero temperatures have resulted in the freezing of water bodies and drinking water supply lines. Srinagar city, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 7.2 degree Celsius, marginally up from minus 7.7 degree Celsius the previous night.
Other places across Valley still reeling under sub-zero temperatures
Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley, recorded a minimum of minus 8.8 degree Celsius, up from last night's minus 10.8 degree Celsius. Gulmarg skiing resort settled at minus 10.0 degree Celsius, up from minus 11.5 degree Celsius. Pahalgam tourist resort recorded a low of minus 12.5 degree Celsius, marginally down from minus 12.0 degree Celsius. Kupwara registered a low of minus 3.7 degree Celsius.
Minimum temperature to remain below zero degree Celsius
The minimum temperature in Kashmir has stayed below freezing point since Wednesday and is expected to remain so until the next week with the weatherman forecasting the possibility of a Western Disturbance hitting the Valley on February 2.
Chillai-Kalan: The 40-day harshest winter period
Kashmir is currently under the grip of Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day harshest winter period where the temperature drops considerably leading to the freezing of water bodies, including the Dal Lake. While Chillai-Kalan, which began on December 21 will end on January 31, the cold wave will continue even after that in the Valley with a 20-day-long Chillai-Khurd (small cold) and a 10-day-long Chillai-Bachha (baby cold).
