Srinagar: The cold wave tightened its grip on Kashmir on Thursday, with temperatures dipping even further across the Valley. Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season at minus 2.1°C.
Pahalgam shivered at minus 3.8°C, while Gulmarg registered a minimum temperature of 0.5°C.
According to officials from the Meteorological (MeT) Department, the mercury is expected to fall further in the coming days. “As predicted, Srinagar’s minimum temperature dropped to minus 2.1°C today, the lowest so far this season. Night temperatures are likely to decline even more in the coming days,” they said.
The MeT Department has forecast generally dry weather from November 13 to 15, cloudy conditions on the afternoon of November 16, and dry weather again from November 17 to 19.
In Jammu region, minimum temperatures settled at 10.2°C in Jammu city, 9.5°C in Katra, 2.9°C in Batote, and 1°C in Bhaderwah.
Amid the intensifying cold, residents of the Valley have switched to winter essentials, including the traditional woollen overgarment, the pheran. Many are also using kangris—earthen fire pots encased in wickerwork—kept beneath the pheran to stay warm.
Doctors have advised elderly people, children, and those with respiratory issues to avoid prolonged exposure to cold air, which can trigger chest-related ailments in individuals with lower immunity.
The Valley is now approaching Chillai Kalan, the harsh 40-day winter period that begins on December 21 and ends on January 30. During this phase, water bodies often freeze partially or completely, and drinking water taps routinely freeze, forcing locals to thaw them with small fires. On the coldest days of Chillai Kalan, daytime temperatures can struggle to rise above 7°C.
