Srinagar Achieves Record Low Temperature of Minus 8.5 Degrees Celsius in 24 Years
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Srinagar, Dec 21 (NationPress) As the Chillai Kalan commenced on Saturday, the temperature in Srinagar plummeted to minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, registering the lowest temperature since the year 2000.
Officials from the MET department reported, "Today's minimum temperature of minus 8.5 degrees Celsius recorded in Srinagar is the lowest since 2000. The previous record was minus 7.7 degrees Celsius in 2018, while the all-time low is minus 12.8 degrees Celsius from 1934.
In the face of this severe cold, everything from window panes to water taps, as well as lakes, streams, and river surfaces, has frozen over.
Even with small fires lit for warmth, water in frozen taps remained inaccessible, forcing residents to wait for the temperature to rise before they could venture out for water.
Streets were largely empty in the morning, as many chose to stay indoors to avoid the icy winds sweeping through the Valley. The extreme cold caused long icicles to form wherever water leakages were noted the previous evening.
Health professionals have advised that children and the elderly should remain indoors and avoid exposure to the cold until temperatures improve.
"This is the minimum temperature around which there is an apprehension of frostbite and chilblains," stated a senior doctor.
With electricity supply being unpredictable, the traditional firepot known as 'Kangri', which is kept under the loose tweed garment called 'Pheran', remains the best option for Kashmiris to stay warm during this bitterly cold period.
The Chillai Kalan period is set to conclude on January 30.
Meanwhile, the Gulmarg ski resort recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, and the Pahalgam hill station experienced minus 8.6 degrees Celsius.
In contrast, Jammu city recorded a minimum of 5.4 degrees Celsius, Katra town at 6 degrees Celsius, Batote at 0.5 degrees Celsius, Banihal at minus 4.4 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah at minus 2.3 degrees Celsius.
