Srinagar, Jan 17: After fresh snowfall, temperatures across Kashmir have sharply dropped, with the meteorological department forecasting mainly dry weather for the next three days, officials reported on Friday.
The higher reaches of Kashmir, along with some areas in the plains, experienced snowfall on Thursday.
Following the snowfall, a deep cold has enveloped the region, with nighttime temperatures falling significantly, the officials said.
Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2 degrees Celsius on Thursday night, slightly higher than the previous night’s minus 2.5 degrees Celsius.
The popular tourist destination of Gulmarg in northern Kashmir, known for its skiing resorts, saw a low of minus 7 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam, a base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra in southern Kashmir, experienced a drastic drop to minus 11.8 degrees Celsius, a sharp fall from minus 4.2 degrees Celsius the previous night.
Other areas recorded the following temperatures: Qazigund at minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, Konibal in Pampore town at minus 2 degrees Celsius, Kupwara at minus 2.7 degrees Celsius, and Kokernag at minus 2.4 degrees Celsius.
The meteorological department has predicted mainly dry weather across Kashmir until January 19, with a possibility of light snow or rain in scattered areas from January 20 to 22.
Kashmir is currently in the midst of ‘Chillai-Kalan’—the harshest phase of winter. This 40-day period, which began on December 21, brings the coldest temperatures and the highest likelihood of snowfall.
‘Chillai-Kalan’ will end on January 30, to be followed by ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) for 20 days and the 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).
