SRINAGAR, Jan 10: The Kashmir valley remained under the influence of cold conditions on Friday, with nighttime temperatures dropping several degrees below freezing, according to officials.
There is a chance of light snowfall, particularly in higher elevations, starting from Saturday, they noted.
Due to clear skies, the region has been experiencing sub-zero temperatures during the night, with minimums remaining well below freezing, officials reported.
They added that much of the Kashmir valley has been enjoying clear skies and bright sunshine throughout the day over the past few days, which led to the drop in nighttime temperatures.
The minimum temperature in Srinagar stood at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than the previous night’s minus 4.4 degrees, as per the officials.
Gulmarg, a favored tourist spot known for skiing in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 8.1 degrees Celsius, up from the previous night’s minus 9.6 degrees.
In Pahalgam, one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, the minimum temperature recorded was minus 10 degrees Celsius, an increase from minus 10.4 degrees the night before, as stated by the weather office.
Pahalgam was the coldest place recorded in the valley.
Qazigund, the gateway town to the valley, logged a low of minus 7.6 degrees Celsius, while Konibal in Pampore town reported a minimum temperature of minus 6.2 degrees.
Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a minimum of minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, whereas Kokernag in south Kashmir saw temperatures settle at minus 5.7 degrees Celsius.
The MeT Office has predicted mostly dry weather for Friday, with light rain or snow possible in isolated areas on Saturday and Sunday.
Kashmir is currently experiencing ‘Chillai-Kalan’ — the most severe period of winter — which commenced on December 21. During the 40 days of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the likelihood of snowfall is at its highest, with significant drops in temperature.
‘Chillai-Kalan’ concludes on January 30, followed by a 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold). (AGENCIES)
