Cold wave intensifies in Kashmir as minimum temp dips further

The minimum temperature at most places in Kashmir dropped further on Saturday as the intense cold tightened its grip in the Valley, resulting in the freezing of water supply lines and water bodies, including the famous Dal Lake, in several areas. A thick fog also engulfed many parts of the valley, including the city, in the morning, reducing visibility.

Srinagar: Dense fog and mist added to extreme cold in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday as the weather office forecast no major change during the next five days in the prevailing weather conditions.

"Morning fog and mist enveloped the plains of Jammu and Kashmir today morning. Weather is likely to improve by late morning. No significant change likely during the next 5 days," an official of the local meteorological (MET) department said.

The ongoing 40-day long period of harsh winter called the 'Chillai Kalan' will end on January 31.

The minimum temperature was minus 8.2 in Srinagar, minus 9.4 in Pahalgam and minus 5.4 in Gulmarg today.

Leh town was at minus 14, Kargil minus 19 and Drass had minus 25.8 as the night's lowest temperature.

Yesterday's maximum in Drass was minus 8.1 degrees Celsius.

Jammu city had 6.2, Katra again 6.2, Batote 7.6, Bannihal 5.6 and Bhaderwah 4.7 as the minimum temperature.

Kupwara, in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag, in the south, minus 8.7 degrees Celsius.

The surface of the Dal Lake has frozen due to the bone-chilling cold, prompting authorities to issue an advisory against walking on the ice.

The SDRF and the river police are conducting patrols around the frozen water-body to ensure the safety of the people.

Several other water bodies have also frozen due to the intense cold.

While the weather remained dry across Kashmir, a dense fog engulfed many parts of the valley including the city in the morning, which, however, dissipated later, the official said.

The plunge in the minimum temperature has also resulted in the freezing of water supply pipes.

A thick layer of ice has frozen over several roads in the city and elsewhere in the valley, making it difficult for motorists to drive.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' -- the 40-day harshest winter period when a cold wave grips the region and the temperature drops considerably leading to the freezing of water bodies including the Dal Lake here as well as the water supply lines in several parts of the valley.

The chances of snowfall are the most frequent and maximum during this period and most areas, especially in the higher reaches, receive heavy snowfall.

While 'Chillai-Kalan' -- which began on December 21 -- will end on January 31, the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day-long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day-long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold).

(Agencies)