SRINAGAR, Jan 12: The frigid weather persisted in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday due to the decreasing difference between maximum and minimum temperatures, as forecasted by the Meteorological (MeT) office for cold and dry conditions in the union territory over the next 24 hours.
On Saturday, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 5.8 degrees Celsius, while Sunday’s minimum temperature dropped to minus 3 degrees.
In Gulmarg, the recorded maximum was 2.4 degrees on Saturday, with a minimum of minus 5.6 degrees on Sunday. Similarly, Pahalgam’s maximum temperature was 4.8 degrees, with a minimum of minus 6.2 degrees on Sunday.
Jammu city experienced a minimum temperature of 10.5 degrees, while Katra town recorded 8.4 degrees, Batote had 4.6 degrees, Banihal noted 0.7 degrees, and Bhaderwah saw a minimum of 2.5 degrees.
According to a statement from the MeT office, “January 12 will see generally cloudy skies in the morning, with improvement later. January 13 is expected to be mainly clear with dry conditions, while January 14 will have generally cloudy weather with dry conditions. January 15 and 16 will bring generally cloudy skies with isolated light snow in higher altitudes. Finally, January 17 and 18 are anticipated to be generally cloudy.”
The bitterly cold 40-day period known as ‘Chillai Kalan’ commenced on December 21 and will conclude on January 30. During this time, Kashmiris rely on a loose woolen overgarment called the ‘Pheran’ and a firepot called the ‘Kangri’, woven into a willow basket, to keep warm and endure the harsh conditions.
Health professionals have warned that prolonged exposure to extreme cold can pose risks, especially for children and the elderly. Hypothermia, resulting from extreme cold, can lead to blood vessel constriction, which in turn can increase the risk of heart attacks and failures.
The reliance on Pheran and Kangri has become essential for locals, as the financially constrained Jammu and Kashmir region struggles to supply consistent electricity. Issues such as power pilferage, transmission losses, and low consumer prices contribute to the significant disparity between electricity demand and supply.
