Srinagar (Kashmir): Cold wave continued to grip Kashmir valley on the fifth day with Srinagar recording a minimum temperature of minus 7.6°C last night, according to officials.
The city had recorded a low of minus 8.4 degrees Celsius on Thursday, which was the coldest night in Srinagar since 1991.
Shopian district recorded the coldest temperature of minus 10.6 °C last night.
The famous tourist resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir witnessed a slight increase in temperature.
The water bodies, including the Dal lake, continue to remain partially frozen due to the cold wave.
The plunge in the temperature has also led to the freezing of water pipes and tanks at homes, resulting in short supply of water.
A thick layer of ice has frozen several roads across Kashmir 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.
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).
The weatherman has predicted dry weather till January 21.
