Srinagar, Nov 11: The Kashmir Valley continues to reel under an intensifying cold wave as temperatures dipped further on Tuesday, with Srinagar recording the coldest night of the season at minus 0.4°C, according to the Meteorological (MeT) Department.
“As expected, the minimum temperature dropped further in the Valley today. Srinagar city recorded its coldest night of this season so far at minus 0.4 degrees Celsius,” said a MeT official. “The cold, dry weather is expected to persist for at least the next 15 days, and temperatures may drop even further.”
Among popular tourist destinations, Gulmarg also recorded minus 0.4°C, while Pahalgam witnessed a much colder -3.4°C. In the Jammu region, the minimum temperatures were relatively moderate, with Jammu city at 11.4°C, Katra at 10.4°C, Batote at 4.3°C, and Bhaderwah at 1.9°C.
Meteorologists attributed the current cold wave to clear skies and chilly winds sweeping down from snow-clad Himalayan peaks. Although the harshest winter phase, known as Chillai Kalan, begins on December 21 and lasts till January 30, the Valley is already experiencing near-freezing conditions.
During Chillai Kalan, residents face challenges like frozen water pipes, slippery roads, and dense morning fog. Schools, lacking sufficient heating facilities, typically begin their winter break by late December and reopen by mid to late February, depending on snowfall and temperatures.
Health experts have urged caution, especially among the elderly and children. “People should avoid prolonged exposure to cold air, as it can cause lung irritation, chest infections, and breathing difficulties,” advised Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, a leading pulmonologist from Srinagar.
The MeT Department continues to monitor the conditions, with no major precipitation expected in the coming weeks.