Srinagar Witnesses Coldest Night of the Season Amid Harsh Winter Spell
Srinagar, the summer capital of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded its coldest night of the season as bone-chilling temperatures gripped the region. The city witnessed a minimum temperature of minus 5.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday night, marking a significant drop from the previous night. The harsh winter conditions are part of the “Chilla-i-Kalan,” a 40-day period known for its severe cold wave, which leads to the freezing of water bodies, including the iconic Dal Lake. The region is currently grappling with a prolonged dry spell, resulting in a 79% rainfall deficit for December. People living on houseboats in Dal Lake faced challenges breaking the layer of ice to reach the banks, while water in pipes across the valley froze due to the intense cold wave.
The meteorological department predicts that dry weather will prevail in the Kashmir valley until January 12, maintaining the grip of the “Chilla-i-Kalan” until January 31. Beyond this period, the cold conditions will persist, with a 20-day “Chilla-i-Khurd” (small cold) and a subsequent 10-day “Chilla-i-Bachha” (baby cold). While the upper reaches of Kashmir have received lesser than usual snowfall, the valley continues to experience frigid temperatures. The bone-chilling cold has impacted daily life, with residents facing difficulties due to frozen water bodies and pipes. The region braces for more cold days ahead as the winter spell tightens its grip on Kashmir.
