Kashmir freezes under sub-zero temp spell

Srinagar, Jan 29 (UNI) Even as the 40-day period often referred as the harshest winter period in Kashmir, “Chillai Kalan”, is about to end, the minimum temperatures continue to settle below zero across Kashmir valley, it was reported on Saturday. The “Chillai Kalan” began on December 21. The Meteorological Department said that the capital Srinagar recorded a low of minus 1.0 degree Celsius against last night’s minus 3.6 degree Celsius. The ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district remained the coldest place in Kashmir as the temperature was recorded at minus 7.5 degree Celsius against minus 10.4°C on previous night. The mercury level dipped to minus 16.9 degrees Celsius in Kargil district of Ladakh UT and minus 15 degrees Celsius at Leh. Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 3.1 degree Celsius, Kokernag minus 3.3 degree Celsius, tourist resort Pahalgam minus 2.8 degrees and Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 1.5°C. “Chillai Kalan” ends on Sunday and it will be followed by a 20-day period of “Chillai Khurud” and then a 10-day-long “Chillai Bacha”. The 70-day harsh winter period brings with it maximum chill in the Kashmir valley. There is no major weather forecast till the end of January. A MeT official said there would be generally cloudy weather on January 30 and that there is a possibility of light rain and snow on January 31.