Kashmir continues its grapple with bone-chilling nights and foggy mornings. Srinagar, the summer capital, dipped to a frigid -3°C, while Pahalgam, a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, hit -4.7°C, making it the coldest spot in the Valley. Gulmarg, a popular ski resort, registered -2.4°C, and other areas like Qazigund, Kokernag, and Kupwara saw temperatures plummet below -3°C.
The Met department predicts dry weather until the month’s end, but fog continues to disrupt daily life in Srinagar. Traffic is sparse, and vehicles crawl due to the low visibility. “Drive cautiously,” warns a meteorological official, citing visibility at a mere 91 meters.
Kashmir is in the throes of Chilla-i-Kalan, the 40-day harsh winter period. Temperatures plummet, freezing Dal Lake and water supply lines. Expect snowfall, especially in higher regions. This phase lasts till January 31st, followed by the 20-day “Chilla-i-Khurd” and 10-day “Chilla-i-Bachha.”
