After Slight Ease, Cold Wave Intensifies Frosty Weather in Srinagar

Qaiser Dar

Srinagar 19 January (KNB): After witnessing slight improvement in temperatures (6.4 degrees Celsius) during Sunday night, minus 7 degrees Celsius was recorded in Srinagar last night, as the cold wave continues to intensify the frosty weather in Kashmir.

At minus 10 degrees Celsius, the historical town Shopian witnessed the lowest temperature in Kashmir valley on Monday night. The famous Ski-resort Gulmarg in Baramulla recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius while Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 8.4 degrees Celsius.

However, gate of the valley Qazigund recorded minus 8.6 degrees Celsius, Kupwara minus 5.7 degrees Celsius, Kokernag minus 7.4 degrees Celsius, Konibal minus 9.2 degrees Celsius, Srinagar Airport minus 6.4 degrees Celsius, Awantipora minus 9.4 degrees Celsius, Anantnag minus 8.6 degrees Celsius, Bandipora minus 4.1 degrees Celsius, Budgam minus 7.8 degrees Celsius and Kulgam minus 7.8 degrees Celsius of temperatures last night.

The valley is going through 40-day period of harsh winter, known as ‘Chillai Kalan’, various water bodies including the famous Dal Lake, water supply lines continue to freeze due to subzero temperatures.

Talking to Kashmir News Bureau, Deputy Director MeT (J&K) Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that raw weather is expected during the afternoon of 22^nd January and in Srinagar light-moderate rain/snowfall is likely to take place in the evening.

“Snowfall/rains will continue till the late hours of 23^rd January,” Ahmed added.

As per the MeT predictions, heavy snowfall will take place in the higher reaches of the valley, mainly south Kashmir, tunnel axis and Pir Panjal region during 22^nd-23^rd of January.

However, Ahmed said that the weather activity would help in providing some respite from below freezing temperatures in the City. (KNB)