Intense cold wave conditions in Kashmir, Srinagar freezes
What's the story
The cold wave sweeping Kashmir intensified on Thursday as the mercury fell several notches to settle well below the freezing point across the Valley, officials there said. Srinagar city, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 5.9 degree Celsius, which was over three degrees below the previous night's minus 2.2 degree Celsius.
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Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 10.4 degree Celsius
Gulmarg, the popular tourist destination in north Kashmir, recorded minus 10.4 degree Celsius as against the previous night's low of minus 11 degree Celsius, the officials said. They said Gulmarg was the coldest recorded place in the Valley. Pahalgam, which serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 9.6 degree Celsius.
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The 40-day harshest winter period in Kashmir
Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley, recorded a minimum of minus 6.2 degree Celsius, while Kupwara (north) registered a low of minus 5.8 degree Celsius and Kokernag (south) minus 7.8 degree Celsius, officials added. Kashmir is under the grip of Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day harshest winter period when the temperature drops considerably leading to the freezing of water bodies, including the famous Dal Lake.
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What happens during this period?
The chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum during this period. Most areas, especially in the higher reaches, receive heavy snowfall, the officials said. While Chillai-Kalan, which began on December 21, will end on January 31, the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day-long Chillai-Khurd (small cold) and a 10-day-long Chillai-Bachha (baby cold).