Cold wave gripped Kashmir as minimum temperatures across the Valley on Sunday were recorded several degrees below the freezing point. According to officials, the minimum temperature in Srinagar dropped to minus 3.4 degrees Celsius as compared to the previous night's minimum temperature which was recorded at minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, as reported by news agency PTI.
Officials added that the minimum temperature in Anantnag's Pahalgam, base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, was recorded at minus 3.4 degrees Celsius as compared to minus 4.1 degrees Celsius which was recorded on the previous night. The temperature at a famous ski resort in the Gulmarg area was recorded at a low of minus 3.5 degrees Celsius as compared to minus 2.5 degrees Celsius which was recorded on the previous night.
The temperature in the Qazigund area was recorded at a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, minus 1.4 degrees Celsius in the Kokernag area and minus 3.8 degrees Celsius in the Kupwara area.
Officials told PTI that these prolonged cold wave conditions were a result of snowfall and rain in Kashmir during December.
Kashmir is currently battling the 40-day harsh winter period known as 'Chilla-i-Kalan'. During this 40-day period, the chances of snowfall are usually at their highest in most areas and the higher reaches receive heavy snow. 'Chilla-i-Kalan' will end on January 31, however, the cold conditions will continue to prevail even after as a 20-day 'Chilla-i-Khurd' and a 10-day 'Chilla-i-Bachha' will follow.
Kashmir entered into 'Chilla-i-Kalan' on December 21 but, the temperatures started to dip further below the freezing point at various locations throughout the Valley before that only.
The chilling temperatures and potential snowfall test the resilience of the local populace which makes it a season marked not only by weather extremes but also by the community's ability to adapt to the harsh conditions and survive the frosty days ahead.