Srinagar, Dec 26: Tuesday’s low temperatures dropped throughout the night in the majority of Kashmir, officials reported here, despite heavy fog causing disruptions to the Valley’s early morning activities for the second day in a row. The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, saw a low of minus 3.0 degrees Celsius on Monday night, which was a little less than the minus 2.3 degrees Celsius the night before, according to reports. The minimum temperature in Pahalgam, in the Anantnag district of south Kashmir, which is one of the base camps for the yearly Amarnath Yatra, was recorded at minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, according to reports. This is a decrease from the previous night’s minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, and it is the coldest place in the Kashmir Valley.A low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius was recorded at Gulmarg, a well-known ski resort in Baramulla, according to officials. The temperature dropped to minus 3.0 degrees Celsius at Qazigund, minus 2.0 degrees Celsius in Kokernag town, and minus 3.5 degrees Celsius at Kupwara. According to the Met Department, the weather is probably going to stay mostly dry through the end of the month. For the second day in a row, a thick fog blanketed Srinagar city, making it difficult to go about daily business, according to officials. Due to the decreased visibility, there was comparatively less traffic on the roads in the morning, with cars appearing to be travelling at slower speeds.Because of the fog, the visibility in Srinagar at 9:25 a.m. was only 91 metres. Because of the poor visibility, drivers should exercise caution when driving, according to a local meteorological office official. The 40-day worst winter season, known as “Chilla-i-Kalan,” is presently engulfing Kashmir. It is characterised by a cold wave, significant temperature drops, and the freezing of water bodies, such as Dal Lake, and water supply lines in various Valley locations. During this time, there is a greater likelihood of snowfall, and most places—especially the higher reaches—get a lot of snowfall. The last day of “Chilla-i-Kalan” is January 31.But after that, there will be two more cold spells: a 10-day “Chilla-i-Bachha” and a 20-day “Chilla-i-Khurd” (small cold).
