Asian Mail

Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley is reeling under the intense chill of Chillai Kalan, the 40-days of harsh winter period with the night temperature falling below freezing point, people are struggling with the chilling cold throughout the night, while the water reservoirs and taps installed in the houses are freezing, causing severe water shortage in the morning.
The minimum temperature was recorded at minus 7.0 degrees Celsius in the summer capital of Srinagar, where the temperature recorded last night was minus 7.3 degrees Celsius.
The minimum temperature was recorded at minus 6.0 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg, where the temperature was recorded last night at minus 6.6 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam, recorded a low of minus 8.6 degrees Celsius, up from minus 8.4 degrees Celsius last night.
Sonamarg recorded a low of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius, up from minus 7.5 degrees Celsius last night, while Zojila recorded a low of minus 25.0 degrees Celsius last night.
Kupwara recorded a low of minus 6.7 degrees Celsius, up from minus 6.4 degrees Celsius last night.
Qazigund, recorded a low of minus 7.0 degrees Celsius, up from minus 6.6 degrees Celsius last night.
South Kashmir’s Shopian, Pulwama, Anantnag and Kulgam districts recorded a minimum temperature of minus 9.3 degrees Celsius, minus 9.3 degrees Celsius, minus 9.3 degrees Celsius and minus 6.2 degrees Celsius respectively.
Baramulla and Bandipora districts in north Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.1 degrees Celsius and minus 7.3 degrees Celsius respectively.
Budgam and Ganderbal districts in central Kashmir recorded a night temperature of minus 7.7 degrees Celsius and minus 7.0 degrees Celsius respectively.
Leh district of Ladakh Union Territory recorded a minimum temperature of 12.2 degrees Celsius while Kargil district recorded a minimum temperature of minus 12.7 degrees Celsius.
According to the MeT Official, the weather in the valley is likely to remain dry on December 26.
He said that light rains are expected in the plains of Jammu on December 27 and 28, while light snowfall is expected in the hilly areas of Chenab Valley and Pir Panchal.
He further said that later on December 29 and 30, the weather is likely to remain generally dry in the valley.
Met Official said that the weather will remain cloudy on December 31 with light snowfall at places in the hilly areas, while later from January 1 to January 3, the weather may be generally cloudy and there is a possibility of light snowfall at places during this time.