Srinagar, Jan 6: Cold conditions tightened their grip on Kashmir on Tuesday after light snowfall was reported in several higher-altitude areas, leading to a sharp dip in night temperatures across the Valley, officials said.
Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district emerged as the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir, recording a minimum temperature of minus 8.6 degrees Celsius on Monday night.
According to officials, a feeble western disturbance triggered light snowfall in isolated higher reaches, including parts of the Mughal Road and upper areas of Ganderbal district. The weather system caused minimum temperatures to fall across most parts of Kashmir.
Srinagar city recorded a low of minus 4 degrees Celsius, down from minus 3.6 degrees Celsius the previous night. In south Kashmir, the tourist resort of Pahalgam registered a minimum temperature of minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley, recorded minus 3 degrees Celsius.
Kokernag settled at minus 2 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara recorded a low of minus 3.1 degrees Celsius, officials added.
Kashmir is currently observing ‘Chilla-e-Kalan’, the harshest 40-day winter period, during which temperatures frequently plunge well below freezing and snowfall chances remain high. Despite this, the plains of the Valley are yet to witness any snowfall this season.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said there is a possibility of light snow at isolated places in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir during the day. Thereafter, the weather is expected to remain dry but cloudy until January 20.