Srinagar Shivers as Mercury Plummets to Minus 4 Degrees Celsius

In the midst of an unyielding cold spell, Srinagar experienced an intense freeze with temperatures plummeting to minus 4 degrees Celsius. Jammu also faced the brunt of the chill, recording a season-low minimum temperature of 3.7 degrees Celsius on Friday, accompanied by the lowest maximum temperature of 8.8 on Thursday.

The bone-chilling weather extended its grasp over the region, with Gulmarg registering minus 3.2 degrees Celsius and Pahalgam enduring a frigid minus 5.3 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperatures. The cold grip tightened further in the Ladakh region, with Leh town at minus 11.2, Kargil at minus 9.2, and Drass at minus 11.5 degrees Celsius.

Jammu city experienced a chilling 3.7 degrees Celsius, Katra recorded 6.2, Batote stood at 4.5, Bhaderwah at 1.3, and Banihal dipped to minus 0.4 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperatures.

The ongoing 40-day period of harsh winter cold, commencing on December 21 and concluding on January 30, has seen an unusual absence of significant snowfall in Kashmir. The Meteorological Department paints a disheartening picture, predicting little chance of major snowfall until January 25. As the dry spell persists, residents brace themselves for the relentless grip of winter.