Srinagar, Jan 06: An intense cold wave continued to sweep across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, with Srinagar recording a minimum temperature of minus 4 degrees Celsius, further tightening winter’s grip on the Valley.
According to the Meteorological Department, no major Western Disturbance is expected to affect the region until January 20, making the chances of significant snowfall bleak at least till then.
Among other places in the Valley, Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 8.6 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam registered minus 6.8 degrees Celsius. The severe cold led to freezing of water taps in Srinagar and several other towns during the morning hours as weak winter sunshine failed to provide relief.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 5.2 degrees Celsius, Katra 4.8 degrees Celsius, Batote 1.7 degrees Celsius, Banihal 1.5 degrees Celsius, while Bhaderwah shivered at minus 2.2 degrees Celsius.
The 40-day harsh winter period, known as Chillai-Kalan, which began on December 21, will conclude on January 30. With no major weather system in sight, the plains of the Kashmir Valley are likely to miss the season’s first major snowfall at least until January 20.
