Weak Winter Sun Struggles Against Clouds as J&K Endures Frigid Weather
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Srinagar, December 16 (NationPress) The minimum temperature in Kashmir was recorded several degrees below freezing on Monday, while the weak winter sun intermittently shone through a light haze of clouds in Jammu.
The sky stayed overcast in the Valley, with sunlight managing to filter through the thin cloud cover in the Jammu division.
Cold wave conditions persisted across the Valley as the Meteorological (MeT) office predicted cold, dry weather until December 21, along with the possibility of light snowfall in the higher altitudes from the evening of December 21 to the morning of December 22.
Srinagar saw a minimum temperature of minus 3.4°C, while Gulmarg recorded minus 4°C and Pahalgam dipped to minus 5°C.
In Jammu city, the minimum temperatures were 5°C, Katra at 6.9°C, Batote at 4.5°C, Banihal at 1°C, and Bhaderwah at 3.9°C.
The extreme morning chill keeps residents indoors during the early hours, prompting them to hurry home in the evenings to escape the icy winds.
The harsh 40-day winter phase locally known as ‘Chillai Kalan’ is set to commence on December 21 and will continue until January 30. During this time, the temperature difference between maximum and minimum readings decreases, intensifying the chill.
Kashmiris prepare for the winter months by preserving dried vegetables like brinjal, tomatoes, and pumpkins during autumn.
As electricity supply remains inconsistent due to financial limitations faced by the Jammu and Kashmir government in procuring enough power from external sources, locals have turned to traditional methods to combat the severe winter cold.
A traditional loose tweed overgarment known as the ‘Pheran’ is worn by the locals, who also utilize an earthen firepot carried in a willow wicker basket called the ‘Kangri’ for warmth.
The Kangri, filled with embers, serves as a reliable heating source that has stood the test of time in the remote Kashmir Valley.
