Srinagar Experiences Coldest Night of the Season at -6°C
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Srinagar, Dec 19 (NationPress) On Thursday, the city of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) registered a bone-chilling temperature of -6 degrees Celsius, the lowest recorded so far this season, as bitter cold gripped the Valley.
Officials from the MET Department reported that the minimum temperature in Srinagar plummeted to -6 degrees Celsius on the same day, establishing a new seasonal low.
“While Srinagar recorded -6, Gulmarg reported -5 and Pahalgam experienced -6.8 degrees Celsius. Other temperatures included Jammu city at 5.1, Katra at 6.6, Batote at 2.5, Banihal at -1.9, and Bhaderwah at -0.6 degrees Celsius.
According to MET officials, the clear night sky is expected to cause temperatures to further drop until the evening of December 21, when a weak Western Disturbance may bring light snowfall to the higher altitudes of J&K.
In the morning, water taps in Srinagar and surrounding towns had frozen, prompting residents to light small fires around the pipes to thaw them.
Minimal pedestrian and vehicular traffic was observed in Srinagar that morning, as the frost kept many people indoors.
Typically, most shops and businesses open later during the winter months and close earlier in the evenings due to the bone-chilling winds descending from the mountains.
The local population is currently entering a 40-day period of extreme winter known as ‘Chillai Kalan’, which starts on December 21 and concludes on January 30.
During these cold months, locals wear the loose tweed overgarment called ‘Pheran’, which varies in design and material based on the wearer’s wealth.
The Pheran has gained popularity and is now a fashionable garment across the country.
In Kashmir, residents often use an earthen firepot called ‘Kangri’, made from woven willow, filled with embers and kept under the Pheran for immediate warmth.
