Srinagar, January 9: The minimum temperature has decreased across Jammu and Kashmir due to the clear night skies, with Srinagar city experiencing a low of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius this Thursday.
According to officials from the Meteorological (MeT) Department, the clear skies led to a further drop in temperatures, following a recorded minimum of minus 1 degrees Celsius in Srinagar on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Gulmarg recorded a minimum of minus 9.6 degrees, while Pahalgam saw minus 10.4 degrees. Jammu city registered 5.5 degrees, Katra town 6.4 degrees, Batote 3.3 degrees, Banihal 3.8 degrees, and Bhaderwah minus 0.2 degrees as the overnight lows.
The MeT office reported, “From January 9 to 10, the weather will generally remain dry with some cloud cover expected on the evening/night of the 10th. On January 11, expect generally cloudy conditions with light rain (in the plains of Jammu) and isolated snowfall at higher reaches of both Jammu and Kashmir Divisions. From January 12 to 14, the weather will generally be dry, and from January 15 to 16, it will remain generally cloudy with light snow in isolated to scattered areas.”
An advisory from the department emphasized: “Cold wave conditions are expected in isolated areas. Tourists, travelers, and transport operators are advised to adhere to local traffic advisories.”
The intense winter period known locally as ‘Chillai Kalan,’ which spans 40 days, commenced on December 21 and will conclude on January 30. Currently, all lakes, streams, springs, wells, and ponds in Kashmir are partially frozen. The mornings are significantly colder compared to the daytime, and fog along with frost on roadways poses risks for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Healthcare professionals have warned people, especially the elderly and children, against prolonged exposure to cold, which can lead to hypothermia. This condition often causes blood vessel constriction, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction. Annually, approximately 500,000 individuals worldwide succumb to winter-related cardiac issues, according to international health researchers. (Agencies)
