Kashmir Sees Minimum Temperature Plunge Below Freezing Point
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Srinagar, Dec 4 (NationPress) A severe cold wave has taken hold of the Kashmir Valley, with the minimum temperature in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar city dropping to minus 2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
The Director of the local Meteorological (MeT) Department, Mukhtar Ahmad, informed IANS, "The minimum temperature today has decreased to minus 2 degrees Celsius in Srinagar city, contributing to the ongoing cold wave. Dry weather conditions are anticipated in J&K until the evening of December 8."
In other areas, Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.5, while Pahalgam experienced minus 4.8 degrees Celsius.
For the Jammu region, temperatures were recorded at 8.4 in Jammu city, 10 in Katra, 6.5 in Batote, 3.2 in Banihal, and 1.4 in Bhaderwah.
The harsh winter period known as ‘Chillai Kalan’, which lasts for 40 days, is set to commence on December 21 and conclude on January 30.
During this phase, the minimum temperature often dips significantly below freezing, while daytime temperatures commonly range between 6 to 8 degrees Celsius.
With the sun frequently obscured by clouds, even daytime can feel quite cold during mornings and evenings.
Many water bodies, including rivers, streams, lakes, wells, and ponds, tend to freeze at the surface, complicating boating and rowing activities.
Residents have begun to bundle up in layers of warm clothing, with the Pheran being a favored garment.
Kashmiris traditionally use an earthen firepot, intricately woven from willow, filled with embers under their Pheran to maintain warmth.
During the Chillai Kalan, locals rely heavily on dried vegetables such as brinjals, pumpkins, and tomatoes, as fresh produce becomes scarce. Dried and smoked fish also serves as a vital source of calories throughout the winter months.
