Srinagar, Dec 23: Following an overnight cloud cover, the minimum temperature showed an increase throughout Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with Srinagar city registering minus 3.6 degrees Celsius as the lowest temperature.
The Meteorological (MeT) department indicated that this trend of rising minimum temperatures will persist for the next two days, after which another period of severe cold is anticipated in Kashmir.
Even with the rise in night temperatures, daily life continued to be disrupted due to frozen water taps, icy roads, power outages, and more in the Valley.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the conditions, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called off all his external appointments and opted to stay in Kashmir to tackle the issues facing the residents.
“In light of the intense cold spell in the Kashmir valley and the ensuing challenges concerning water and electricity supply, I have made the decision to cancel my upcoming engagements in Jammu and remain in Srinagar for the next week to oversee the operations of the Power department and other critical departments personally,” the Chief Minister posted on X.
The harsh winter phase known as ‘Chillai Kalan,’ lasting 40 days, commenced on December 21 and concludes on January 30.
Most water bodies, including rivers, streams, and lakes, have started to freeze, complicating navigation for boats in these areas.
The recorded minimum temperatures were minus 3.6 in Srinagar, minus 4.8 in Gulmarg, and minus 5 in Pahalgam.
In Jammu city, the temperatures were 6.7, Katra town 7, Batote 2.7, Banihal minus 1.7, and Bhaderwah minus 0.7.
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