Despite a slight improvement in biting cold conditions across north and central Kashmir due to cloud cover, south Kashmir residents continue to grapple with intensified frost. All weather stations in the valley recorded subzero temperatures on the night of Friday and Saturday.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar reported Srinagar’s minimum temperature at -1.5°C, a welcome rise from Friday’s -3.5°C. Wednesday night, however, remains the season’s coldest so far, with Srinagar plummeting to -5.4°C.
Shopian, located in south Kashmir, retained its title as the coldest place in the valley, registering a bone-chilling -6.5°C, compared to the previous night’s -4.8°C. Pahalgam, the popular tourist resort, recorded a frigid -5.1°C, while Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, settled at -3.8°C. Kokernag observed a chilly -3.6°C.
North Kashmir witnessed milder temperatures, with Gulmarg recording -2.8°C and Kupwara registering -1.0°C.
However, a brief respite from the cold might not last long. A weak Western Disturbance is expected to hit Jammu and Kashmir between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, bringing the possibility of light snow in isolated high-altitude areas. Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Gurez Valley, and Mughal Road are particularly likely to experience light snowfall.
While the harsh 40-day winter period known as “chillai kalan” approaches next week, south Kashmir continues to bear the brunt of the current cold wave. Residents in these areas should remain prepared for further cold and potential snowfall in the coming days.
