Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, experienced its coldest night of the season with a minimum temperature of minus 5.1 degrees Celsius. The local Meteorological Department confirmed this as the lowest minimum temperature for the city. Additionally, Gulmarg recorded minus 9.2 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam saw minus 8.6 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature.
Jammu city reported 7.1 degrees Celsius, Katra town had 4.1 degrees, Batote recorded 2.8 degrees, Banihal saw 3.7 degrees, and Bhaderwah experienced minus 3.4 degrees as the lowest temperature of the night. The Meteorological Department has forecasted cold and dry weather in the region until January 20, raising concerns about potential drought conditions in the upcoming months.
The ongoing 40-day period known as ‘Chillai Kalan’, which began on December 21 and ends on January 30, is crucial for replenishing water reservoirs in the mountains through heavy snowfall. These reservoirs play a vital role in sustaining water sources like rivers, streams, and lakes during the summer months in the union territory. The absence of significant snowfall during this period could lead to water scarcity in the summer.
Despite being halfway through winter, Srinagar has not yet received its first snowfall of the season. The cold and dry weather has already led to health issues in the Valley, particularly affecting individuals with lung and heart conditions. Doctors advise caution, recommending that vulnerable individuals avoid venturing out in the chilly mornings. Residents are bundling up in warm clothing, including woollen wear and the traditional ‘Pheran’, to shield themselves from the severe cold.
On Thursday, a faint winter sun shone in the clear sky over the Valley. However, the sun’s warmth was insufficient to alleviate the morning chill. The Valley continues to brace for the winter weather ahead.
