SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir saw a dip in mercury on Thursday, with Srinagar recording minus 5.2°C and 3.6°C, respectively. These are the capital cities’ second-lowest February minimum temperatures in a decade. According to a representative of the meteorological department, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 5.2°C, which was lower than the previous night’s low of minus 2.0°C and 4.8°C below average for this time of year for J&K’s summer capital. According to the official, the capital city’s all-time low temperature was reached on February 6, 1985, when the mercury dropped to minus 20°C. On February 9, 2019, Srinagar recorded minus 5.7°C. According to him, Qazigund recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.4°C as opposed to minus 3.2°C the night before. According to the MeT official, the minimum temperature was 4.9°C lower than usual for Kashmir’s gateway town. Pahalgam saw a low of minus 11.9°C, which was 5.7°C below average for the well-known south Kashmir resort, compared to minus 10.8°C the night before. According to the official, Kokernag, located in south Kashmir, saw a minimum temperature of minus 4.5°C, down from minus 4.3°C the night before. The temperature was 2.5°C below average for the area. According to the official, Kupwara town in north Kashmir saw a low of minus 4.5°C, down from minus 3.3°C the night before. It was also 3.4°C below normal there. According to the official, Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 12.0°C, down from minus 10.0°C the night before. The temperature was 3.4°C below average for the well-known skiing resort in north Kashmir. According to him, Jammu recorded a minimum temperature of 3.6°C, which was 5.9°C below average for J&K’s winter capital. On February 13, 2018, Jammu city reported 3.6°C, the lowest temperature in a decade. He added that the lows in Banihal (zero 1.4°C), Batote (0.3°C), and Bhaderwah (minus 2.1°C) were recorded. According to the MeT official’s prognosis, there will be dry weather through February 17. “Generally speaking, dry weather is predicted until February 17 with sporadic cloud cover on February 14 evening. With regard to the forecast for February 18–20, he stated that there is a chance of light snow and rain. Kashmir is currently experiencing a 20-day winter period known as “Chillai-Khurd,” which finishes on February 19, and is followed by a 10-day period known as “Chillai-Bachha” (baby cold), which starts from February 20 to March 1. As “Chillai-Kalan,” the 40-day severe time of winter concluded on January 29.
