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Srinagar Hits -5.1°C, Season's Coldest Night Amid Dry Winter Worry

Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season at minus 5.1 degrees Celsius, with Gulmarg and Pahalgam experiencing even lower temperatures. The Meteorological Department forecasts continued cold, dry weather, raising significant concerns about a potential drought due to a lack of snowfall during the critical Chillai Kalan period. This dry spell threatens the region's water reservoirs, which rely on heavy winter snowfall to sustain rivers and streams through the summer. Health officials have also advised caution as the severe cold exacerbates respiratory and heart ailments.

Key Points: Srinagar Records -5.1°C, Season's Coldest Night

  • Srinagar hits -5.1°C, season's coldest
  • Gulmarg and Pahalgam plunge below -8°C
  • Dry weather forecast until January 20
  • Lack of snowfall in Chillai Kalan raises drought fears
  • Doctors warn of cold-related health risks
2 min read

At minus 5.1, J&K's Srinagar records season's coldest night

Srinagar shivers at -5.1°C, its coldest night this season. Dry spell raises drought fears as crucial Chillai Kalan period sees scant snowfall.

"At minus 5.1 degrees Celsius... Srinagar city recorded this season's lowest minimum temperature today. - Mukhtar Ahmed"

Srinagar, Jan 8

With minus 5.1 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature, Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar city recorded this season's coldest night on Thursday.

Mukhtar Ahmed, director of the local Meteorological (MeT) Department, told IANS, "At minus 5.1 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature, Srinagar city recorded this season's lowest minimum temperature today."

Gulmarg recorded minus 9.2 degrees Celsius, and Pahalgam recorded minus 8.6 as the minimum temperature.

Jammu city had 7.1 degrees, Katra town 4.1, Batote 2.8, Banihal 3.7 and Bhaderwah minus 3.4 as the night's lowest temperature

With the MeT Department forecasting cold, dry weather till January 20, the danger of drought in the coming months has caused worry among people in Kashmir.

The fear is accentuated by the fact that the 40-day-long period of harsh winter called the 'Chillai Kalan', which started on December 21, will end on January 30. It is only the heavy snowfall during this 40-day-long period that fills the perennial water reservoirs in the mountains.

These perennial water reservoirs sustain the various rivers, streams, springs, lakes and wells during the summer months in the union territory.

Snowfall in February and March melts quickly and is not long-lasting. Thus, no heavy snowfall in Chillai Kalan spells disaster in the summer months.

It must be mentioned that nearly halfway through this winter, Srinagar city has not received this season's first snowfall.

Cold, dry weather has already resulted in various ailments related to the lungs and heart in the Valley. Doctors have advised people with chest and heart-related issues to exercise caution and not venture out of their homes in the morning to avoid the morning chill. Kashmiris are wearing layers of warm clothes, including woollen jerseys, caps and mufflers in addition to the tweed overgarment called the 'Pheran' to protect themselves from severe winter cold.

A feeble winter sun shone on the clear sky in the Valley on Thursday. Despite the clear sunny day, the winter sun tried ineffectually to warm up the morning in the Valley.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is a stark reminder of climate change impacts. It's not just about the cold, it's about the disrupted precipitation patterns. The article clearly links the dry winter to future drought. Authorities need to have water management plans ready.
R
Rohit P
Gulmarg at -9.2°C! That's where all the tourists want to go for snow, but what snow? The article says Srinagar hasn't seen its first snowfall yet. It's halfway through winter. This will hit tourism and the local economy badly. Very concerning.
P
Priya S
My heart goes out to the elderly and those with health issues. The doctors' warning is crucial. Dry cold is so harsh on the lungs. Hope people are staying warm and following advice. The 'feeble winter sun' line perfectly captures the helpless feeling.
V
Vikram M
While the report is informative, I wish it gave more data. How does this -5.1°C compare to the average for this date over the last 10 years? Is it record-breaking cold or just typical Chillai Kalan weather? Context would help.
M
Michael C
The ecological explanation about snowfall in Chillai Kalan filling perennial reservoirs is key. It shows how intricately the local ecosystem is balanced. A break in this pattern has long-term consequences far beyond just a cold day.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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