The minimum temperature in Jammu and Kashmir dropped further, with Srinagar experiencing its coldest night of the season at minus 6 degrees Celsius. The city froze as water taps, road puddles, and shallow water bodies solidified due to the extremely low temperatures. Srinagar also saw a maximum temperature of 11.2 degrees on Thursday, narrowing the gap between the maximum and minimum temperatures.
The Meteorological Department has predicted cold and dry weather until January 20, with minimal chances of rain or snow during this period, except for isolated downpours in higher areas. The ongoing dry spell has caused concern in J&K, as the water bodies crucial for agriculture, horticulture, and drinking water rely on heavy snowfall during the 40-day ‘Chillai Kalan’ period of harsh winter cold.
The Chillai Kalan period, which ends on January 30, is halfway through, yet the plains of the Valley have not seen the season’s first snowfall. Snowfall in February and March holds little significance as it quickly melts and does not contribute to replenishing the mountain reservoirs. In other areas, Gulmarg ski resort recorded minus 7.2 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam had minus 7.6 as the minimum temperature.
Jammu city experienced 5.6 degrees Celsius, Katra town 3.5, Batote 1, Banihal minus 0.9, and Bhaderwah minus 3.4 as the lowest night temperatures. The cold and dry weather has led to an increase in chest and heart-related illnesses, with hospitals and clinics of Pulmonologists and cardiologists seeing a surge in patients. Individuals with a history of such ailments are advised to take extra precautions and avoid going out in extreme cold conditions.
