Despite a slight improvement in night temperatures, a relentless cold wave persists in the Kashmir Valley, impacting pedestrian and vehicular movement due to dense morning fog. Motorists are compelled to use flashers and headlights to navigate through the foggy conditions. The valley, accustomed to powerful fog lights in vehicles in the past, now sees very few equipped with such features.
The Meteorological Office reported a minimum temperature of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, minus 2.5 in Gulmarg, and minus 4.1 in Pahalgam. In the Ladakh region, Leh recorded minus 13, Kargil minus 8.8, and Drass minus 10. Meanwhile, Jammu city recorded 7.7 degrees Celsius, Katra 8.2, Batote 4.6, Bhaderwah 2.2, and Banihal 1.2 as the night’s lowest temperatures.
The Kashmir Valley is currently experiencing the harsh winter phase known as ‘Chillai Kalan,’ lasting for 40 days from December 21 to January 30.