GG News Bureau
Srinagar, 11th Jan. Kashmir is currently experiencing extremely cold temperatures, with no relief in sight from the intense cold wave. Officials have stated that the weather conditions will not improve over the next few days.
This winter in Kashmir has been dry and without snow, resulting in freezing nights and warmer than usual days.
Srinagar, the capital city, has seen day temperatures that are over eight degrees higher than normal for this time of year. In contrast, Jammu, the winter capital, has been colder than Srinagar, with temperatures nine degrees below normal.
The city is currently covered in dense fog, leading to even colder days.
On Wednesday night, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.0 degrees Celsius, the same as the previous night.
Other areas in Kashmir also experienced sub-zero temperatures, with Qazigund at minus 4.6 degrees and Gulmarg at minus 3.5 degrees.
Kokernag and Kupwara also experienced cold temperatures. Kashmir is currently in the midst of the 40-day harsh winter period known as “Chilla-i-Kalan,” during which a cold wave sweeps the region and temperatures drop significantly.
This period is also associated with heavy snowfall, particularly in higher areas. However, Kashmir has been experiencing a prolonged dry spell, with a 79 percent rainfall deficit in December and no precipitation in the first week of January.
Most plain areas of Kashmir have not received any snowfall, and the upper reaches have received less snow than usual.
The meteorological department has forecast mainly dry weather until January 12. The “Chilla-i-Kalan” period will end on January 31, but the cold conditions will continue with a 20-day “Chilla-i-Khurd” (small cold) and a 10-day “Chilla-i-Bachha” (cold).
