Srinagar Hits Season's Lowest Temperature at Minus 6.2 Degrees Celsius
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Srinagar, Dec 20 (NationPress) The temperature plummeted to minus 6.2 degrees Celsius on Friday, making it the coldest recorded minimum temperature this season in J&K's Srinagar city.
According to officials from the MET Department, Srinagar's temperature at minus 6.2 degrees Celsius is the lowest so far this winter.
In other regions, Gulmarg recorded minus 6 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam experienced an even lower temperature of minus 8.2 degrees Celsius.
The city of Jammu logged a minimum temperature of 6.9 degrees Celsius, followed by Katra at 6 degrees Celsius, Batote at 1 degree, Banihal at minus 3.8 degrees, and Bhaderwah at minus 1.6 degrees.
The MET office predicts light snowfall in the higher elevations from December 21 to 22, while generally cold and dry weather is expected to persist in J&K until December 28.
Despite the lack of precipitation, slippery road conditions deterred residents from leaving their homes in the morning hours across Srinagar and other Valley towns.
Traffic was notably absent in the early hours, as commuters hesitated to venture out until the weather warmed slightly.
Once again, water taps froze in the morning, prompting locals to light small fires around the pipes to thaw them.
The intense winter period known as 'Chillai Kalan' begins tomorrow and will last until January 30. During this time, the maximum temperature also drops, intensifying the cold.
As 'Chillai Kalan' commences, most water bodies, including lakes, streams, and rivers begin to freeze. The sky typically remains overcast, limiting opportunities for the locals to enjoy a clear sky.
In winter, it is common to see every local donning the traditional loose tweed garment known as the Pheran.
This style of clothing has been adapted to allow for office wear.
All locals, without exception, wear the Pheran during the winter months, which varies in design and fabric based on the wearer’s social status.
In Kashmir, a traditional firepot called the Kangri, which is woven into a willow basket, is filled with hot embers and placed under the Pheran for immediate warmth.
