SRINAGAR, Jan 5: The nighttime temperatures in the valley plummeted significantly, with Kokernag in south Kashmir experiencing a chilling minus 8.1 degrees Celsius, officials reported on Sunday.
In Srinagar, the temperature dropped to a low of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department.
Gulmarg, renowned for its skiing activities in north Kashmir, noted a low of minus 4 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam, which serves as a base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, registered a minimum temperature of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius.
Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius, while Konibal in Pampore town saw a temperature of minus 3.5 degrees.
Kupwara in north Kashmir experienced a nighttime temperature of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, and Kokernag in south Kashmir reported the lowest temperature of minus 8.1 degrees, making it the coldest spot in the valley.
Kashmir is currently undergoing ‘Chillai-Kalan’ — the harshest period of winter — which commenced on December 21. This phase lasts 40 days, characterized by the highest likelihood of snowfall and a notable drop in temperatures.
‘Chillai-Kalan’ will conclude on January 30, after which a 20-day period known as ‘Chillai-Khurd (small cold)’ and a subsequent 10-day period termed ‘Chillai-Bachha (baby cold)’ will follow.
