SRINAGAR: The cold wave conditions intensified across Kashmir on Wednesday, with the weather department predicting fresh spells of light to moderate snowfall in the valley over the next week.
Srinagar recorded a low of -4.4°C, while Qazigund and Pahalgam saw colder temperatures at -6.0°C and -7.6°C, respectively. Gulmarg registered the lowest in the region at -8.8°C, followed closely by Shopian at -10.2°C. Other areas, including Anantnag (-8.1°C), Pulwama (-7.0°C), and Larnoo (-7.6°C), also witnessed biting cold. Kupwara (-0.3°C) and Bandipora (-0.7°C) recorded relatively milder temperatures, Kashmir Weather reported.
Kl Image by Bilal Bahadur
In the Jammu region, the temperatures were less severe, with Jammu city at 8.4°C. Banihal recorded a low of -1.3°C, while Padder experienced freezing conditions at -5.0°C. Ramban noted the highest minimum temperature in the region at 10.4°C. Bhaderwah (-0.4°C), Batote (2.5°C), and Katra (5.7°C) also remained cold, but above freezing.
Ladakh continued to face extreme cold, with Drass recording the lowest temperature at -18.3°C, followed by Kargil at -14.4°C and Leh at -8.2°C.
The Meteorological Department has forecast light snowfall on the first day of the new year, with a stronger spell of snowfall expected between January 3rd and 6th. The second spell is likely to bring heavy snowfall to higher reaches, particularly between January 4th and 6th.
The ongoing ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ which began on December 21 , is known as the harshest winter period in Kashmir. This 40-day phase is marked by frequent snowfall and significant drops in temperature, lasting until January 30. It is followed by ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (20 days) and ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (10 days), extending the winter chill.
