Srinagar Records Coldest Night of Season at Minus 1.6 Degrees Celsius: Kashmir Valley Braces for Harsher Winter Ahead

Nighttime temperatures in Srinagar are expected to decrease further in the upcoming days.

Srinagar:

On Wednesday, Srinagar city in Jammu and Kashmir experienced its coldest night of the season, with temperatures falling to minus 1.6 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the Pahalgam hill station recorded an even lower temperature at minus 3.8 degrees.

According to officials from the Meteorological (MeT) Department, "As anticipated, Srinagar's minimum temperature dropped to minus 1.6 degrees Celsius today, marking the lowest reading this season thus far. Nighttime temperatures are expected to decrease further in the upcoming days. Pahalgam registered minus 3.8 degrees, while Gulmarg measured minus 1 degree as their minimum temperatures."

Other regions recorded varying minimum temperatures: Jammu city at 10 degrees, Katra town at 9 degrees, Batote at 4.5 degrees, and Bhaderwah at 1.2 degrees Celsius.

In response to the current cold wave sweeping through the Valley, residents have begun wearing warm clothing, including the traditional tweed overgarment known as the 'Pheran'. To combat the cold during winter months, people use a 'Kangri' - an earthen pot encased in a willow wicker basket filled with live charcoal - which is kept under the 'Pheran'.

Local medical professionals have advised individuals with histories of chest ailments, elderly people, and children to avoid extended exposure to cold temperatures, as the cold air can trigger chest-related illnesses in those with compromised immunity.

The 'Chillai Kalan', an intense 40-day winter period, commences annually on December 21 and concludes on January 30. During this time, numerous water bodies throughout the Valley freeze either partially or completely, depending on the severity of the winter cold.

Drinking water taps also freeze during the Chillai Kalan, forcing residents to light small fires around water taps to thaw them. Roads become slippery, requiring both pedestrians and motorists to navigate carefully to prevent accidents.

During periods of extreme winter cold, even daytime temperatures in the Valley rarely exceed 7 degrees Celsius.