Srinagar, Jan 29: Kashmir experienced intense cold with temperatures plunging several degrees below freezing across most areas on Thursday, though Srinagar recorded a warmer-than-usual minus 0.6°C, slightly above the seasonal average.
Sonamarg in Ganderbal district emerged as the coldest spot in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 11.2°C, down from the previous night’s minus 9.8°C, while Gulmarg recorded minus 9°C and Pahalgam minus 4.5°C. Qazigund settled at zero degrees, Kokernag at minus 0.6°C, and Kupwara at minus 3.5°C.
The 40-day ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ period of harshest winter, which began December 21, ends January 30, followed by 20-day ‘Chillai Khurd’ and 10-day ‘Chillai Bachha’. The Meteorological Department forecast cloudy but dry weather till January 31, with a western disturbance likely bringing fresh wet weather from February 1.
