The Kashmir Valley is experiencing a significant drop in night temperatures, with Kokernag in south Kashmir recording the coldest temperature at minus 8.1 degrees Celsius, officials reported on Sunday.
In Srinagar, the temperature fell to minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department. The popular tourist destination of Gulmarg, known for its skiing activities, recorded a low of minus 4 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra, saw temperatures dip to minus 3.2 degrees Celsius. Qazigund, often referred to as the gateway to Kashmir, logged a minimum temperature of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius, while Konibal in Pampore town recorded minus 3.5 degrees.
Kupwara in north Kashmir experienced a night temperature of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius. Kokernag, with its chilling minus 8.1 degrees, emerged as the coldest location in the valley.
This cold spell is attributed to ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the harshest phase of winter in Kashmir, which began on December 21. During this 40-day period, the likelihood of snowfall is highest, and temperatures tend to plummet. ‘Chillai-Kalan’ will conclude on January 30, followed by a 20-day period known as ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day phase called ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).
