Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded the season’s lowest minimum temperature on Friday, with the mercury dipping to a chilling minus 6.2°C. This marked a significant drop in temperatures across the region, as the city experienced a harsh winter night.
According to officials from the MET Department, this drop makes Srinagar’s temperature the lowest of the season so far. The nearby ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6°C, while Pahalgam, a popular tourist town, saw an even colder reading of minus 8.2°C.
In other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, temperatures remained frigid as well. Jammu city registered a minimum of 6.9°C, while Katra recorded 6°C, Batote dipped to 1°C, Banihal saw minus 3.8°C, and Bhaderwah recorded minus 1.6°C.
The MET Department has forecast light snowfall in higher reaches between December 21 and 22, while cold and dry weather is expected to persist across Jammu and Kashmir until December 28. Despite the absence of rainfall, the icy conditions made roads slippery, preventing many residents from leaving their homes in the morning. Traffic remained sparse as commuters waited for temperatures to rise slightly before venturing out for their daily tasks.
In the morning, many households experienced frozen water taps, prompting locals to light small fires around water pipes to thaw them.
Srinagar and other towns in the region are also bracing for the beginning of the 40-day intense winter period known as the ‘Chillai Kalan’, which starts on December 21 and ends on January 30. During this time, the temperature drops even further, with the maximum temperature also falling, intensifying the chill factor. The extreme cold leads to the freezing of most water bodies, including lakes, streams, and rivers, making it difficult to access clear skies as the region remains covered by overcast weather.
Locals take to wearing the traditional ‘Pheran’, a loose tweed overgarment, which is a staple in Kashmir’s winter attire. The ‘Pheran’ has been adapted in various styles and designs depending on the wearer’s social status, with some designs even suitable for office wear. Additionally, a traditional earthen firepot, the ‘Kangri’, filled with glowing embers, is carried under the ‘Pheran’ for instant warmth.
As the cold intensifies, Kashmiris continue to rely on these age-old methods to cope with the biting winter, creating a unique blend of tradition and practicality in the face of the harsh season.
Sources By Agencies