What is the coldest night of the season in Srinagar?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Srinagar recorded its coldest night at -2.8°C.
- Winter vacation for schools begins on December 1.
- Chillai Kalan starts on December 21.
- Traditional wear and firepots are used for warmth.
- Precautions are advised for vulnerable populations.
Srinagar, Nov 23 (NationPress) - The city of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir has experienced its coldest night of the season, with temperatures plunging to -2.8 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Jammu recorded a milder low of 10.1 degrees Celsius.
According to officials from the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature in Srinagar fell to -2.8 degrees Celsius. They noted, "Srinagar has witnessed its coldest night this season at -2.8 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Pahalgam reported -3.5 degrees and Gulmarg recorded zero degrees as their minimum temperatures. In comparison, Jammu city reached 10.1 degrees, Katra had 9.8 degrees, Batote saw 4.5 degrees, Banihal experienced -0.5 degrees, and Bhaderwah had 0.5 degrees as their lowest temperatures today," the officials stated.
They also forecasted no significant changes in the weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir until December 2, with expectations of further drops in minimum temperatures in the upcoming days.
In light of the early onset of winter, local authorities have declared winter vacations for students up to the 8th grade starting December 1.
Residents are taking precautions against the frigid winds that sweep through the Kashmir Valley, donning warm clothing and thick mufflers.
The traditional winter attire known as the 'Pheran' is favored among Kashmiris for its effectiveness against the cold.
To fend off the winter chill, many use a unique earthen firepot called a 'Kangri', made from willow wicker and filled with glowing charcoal, which they place beneath their Pheran.
The harsh winter phase called 'Chillai Kalan' commences on December 21 and lasts until January 30. During this time, many water bodies in the region freeze, with temperatures often dropping between -5 and -7 degrees Celsius.
In urban areas, residents frequently light small fires around water taps to prevent them from freezing in the mornings during Chillai Kalan.
Morning fog can make roads and pathways dangerously slippery, hampering both pedestrian and vehicular movement.
Doctors advise caution, particularly for children and the elderly, against direct exposure to the cold, as this can lead to lung-related health issues during winter.
It's recommended that individuals cover their faces with a woollen muffler or a thick cloth to shield their lungs from cold air.
Despite the challenges that winter brings, the people of Kashmir eagerly anticipate the beauty of the season, as it blankets the landscape in pristine white snow and replenishes the mountain water reservoirs that nourish springs, streams, lakes, and rivers throughout the summer months.