Srinagar, Jan 5: The Kashmir Valley experienced a sharp dip in night temperatures, with Kokernag in south Kashmir emerging as the coldest location, recording a freezing low of minus 8.1 degrees Celsius, according to official reports.
In Srinagar, the temperature dropped to minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, as reported by the Meteorological Department. Meanwhile, Gulmarg, a popular tourist destination renowned for its skiing facilities in north Kashmir, registered a minimum of minus 4 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam, serving as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra, recorded a low of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund, often referred to as the gateway to Kashmir, saw the mercury plummet to minus 3.6 degrees. Konibal in Pampore town reported a low of minus 3.5 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded minus 2.8 degrees Celsius overnight.
The coldest spot, Kokernag, experienced an extreme low of minus 8.1 degrees Celsius, making it the most frigid place in the valley during this period.
The region remains under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the harshest phase of winter that commenced on December 21. This 40-day period is characterized by intense cold, frequent snowfall, and a significant drop in temperatures. It is followed by ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (a milder 20-day cold spell) and ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (a 10-day baby cold spell), which extend the winter season until early February.
The extreme weather conditions during ‘Chillai-Kalan’ not only heighten the valley’s chilly ambiance but also increase the likelihood of snowfall, profoundly affecting daily life and transportation while enhancing the region’s winter charm.