Cold Wave Continues in Jammu and Kashmir, Temperature Drops to Minus 10 Degrees in Pahalgam

Srinagar: The cold wave persists in Jammu and Kashmir, with Friday’s minimum temperatures recorded at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius in Srinagar and minus 10 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam.

According to the Meteorological Department, clear skies during the night are likely to lead to further drops in minimum temperatures. On Friday, minimum temperatures were recorded as follows: minus 4.3 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, minus 8.1 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg, and minus 10 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam.

In Jammu region, the minimum night temperatures were 4.9 degrees Celsius in Jammu city, 6.1 degrees Celsius in Katra, 3 degrees Celsius in Batote, 4.9 degrees Celsius in Banihal, and zero degrees Celsius in Bhaderwah.

As per the Meteorological Department’s forecast, the weather is expected to remain generally dry with cloudy skies on January 10 evening/night. Light rain is predicted in Jammu’s plains on January 11, accompanied by snowfall in some higher-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir divisions. From January 12 to 14, the weather will mostly remain dry, while from January 15 to 16, cloudy skies with light snowfall at a few places are anticipated. Some areas may also experience cold waves.

The 40-day harsh winter period locally known as Chillai Kalan, which began on December 21, will continue until January 30. Most water bodies, including lakes, rivers, ponds, and wells, have partially frozen in the Valley.

Morning fog and cold temperatures have significantly restricted pedestrian and vehicular movement in the region. Two iconic symbols of winter in the Valley, the loose tweed overgarment called pheran and the kangri, a clay fire pot woven in a willow wicker basket, are in high demand. Tailors have introduced new designs and styles of pherans to cater to office-goers, making it a fashionable winter attire across the country in recent years.