Konibal in Pulwama shivers at season's lowest temperature, plunging to minus 7 degrees celsius

In the Kashmir valley, frigid temperatures persist, dipping well below zero, resulting in the freezing of water bodies, particularly the iconic Dal Lake. On Wednesday, foggy weather conditions were observed in the Jammu division, while night temperatures in the Kashmir valley dropped below zero.

A layer of ice coated the surface of Dal Lake, emblematic of the bone-chilling mornings in Srinagar. Konibal in Pulwama, South Kashmir, marked the coldest night of the season, with temperatures plummeting to minus 7 degrees Celsius. Srinagar recorded a chilly minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam in the south reached minus 6.6 degrees Celsius, and the northern Gulmarg ski resort registered minus 3.8 degrees Celsius.

Kashmir's harsh winter in full swing

The gateway to Kashmir, Qazigund, recorded minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag in the south observed minus 3.2 degrees Celsius. In North Kashmir, Kupwara recorded a low of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius. Independent weather observer Faizan Arif reported that Anantnag and Shopian in the south reached minus 7.2 degrees Celsius and minus 7 degrees Celsius, respectively, while northern Baramulla district experienced minus 6 degrees Celsius.

Kashmir's severe winter period, known as 'Chilla-i-Kalan,' commenced on December 21 and is set to conclude on December 31. Throughout December, the region witnessed minimal precipitation, with temperatures consistently dropping below freezing during the night.

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Weather outlook and predictions

The Meteorological Department anticipates mostly dry weather in Kashmir until January 7, with a possibility of generally cloudy conditions from January 4 to 5. On January 8, there's a forecast of light rain or snow in isolated higher reaches. As Kashmir's winter unfolds in distinct stages, residents brace for the upcoming transitions in the weather.

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