Night temperatures rise in Kashmir; Srinagar sunshine brings relief from cold

Night temperatures rose at most places in Kashmir, with Srinagar recording a reading above the freezing point, officials said on Tuesday.

The minimum temperature settled at 0.9°C in Srinagar, compared to the previous night’s -0.5°, the Met office said.

The city witnessed bright sunshine in the morning, bringing respite from the intense cold conditions.

Gulmarg, a tourist resort town known for skiing activities in north Kashmir, recorded a low of -6.6°C, compared to the previous night’s -4.5°.

Pahalgam, one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum temperature of -7.8°C and was the coldest place in the Valley.

Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley, logged a low of 0.4°C, while Konibal in Pampore town registered a minimum temperature of -0.4°.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of -1.4°C, while Kokernag in south Kashmir saw the mercury settle at -0.5°.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’—the harshest period of winter—that began on December 21. During the 40 days of ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the chances of snowfall are the highest and the temperature drops considerably.

‘Chillai-Kalan’ ends on January 30. It is followed by a 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd (small cold)’ and a 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha (baby cold)’.