Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar city witnessed the coldest night of the season on Wednesday as the minimum temperature dropped to minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while the Pahalgam hill station recorded a low of minus 3.8 degrees.
Officials from the Meteorological (MeT) Department said the minimum temperature dropped to minus 1.6 degrees Celsius in Srinagar on Wednesday.
“As expected, the minimum temperature dropped to minus 1.6 degrees Celsius in Srinagar today, which is the lowest of the season so far. The night temperature is likely to drop further in the coming days. Pahalgam recorded minus 3.8, while Gulmarg recorded minus 1 degree as the minimum temperature,” the MeT officials said.
Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 10 degrees, Katra 9, Batote 4.5, and Bhaderwah 1.2 degrees Celsius.
Due to the ongoing cold wave in the Valley, residents have started wearing woollens, including the traditional tweed overgarment called the Pheran. An earthen pot filled with live charcoal, placed inside a wicker basket known as a Kangri, is kept under the Pheran to ward off the cold during the winter months.
Local doctors have advised elderly people, children, and those with a history of chest ailments to avoid prolonged exposure to the cold, as inhaling the chilly air can trigger respiratory problems in individuals with lower immunity.
The 40-day-long period of harsh winter, known as Chillai Kalan, begins each year on December 21 and ends on January 30. During this period, most water bodies in the Valley freeze either partially or completely, depending on the severity of the cold.
Drinking water taps also freeze during Chillai Kalan, forcing locals to light small fires around them to de-freeze the pipes. Roads become slippery, and both pedestrians and motorists must move cautiously to avoid accidents.
During extreme winter conditions, even the day temperature in the Valley rarely rises above 7 degrees Celsius.
(IANS)