- विज्ञापन -
Srinagar: The cold wave in Jammu and Kashmir has intensified due to a narrowing difference between maximum and minimum temperatures. The Meteorological (MeT) office has predicted cold, dry weather for the next 24 hours in the region.
On Saturday, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 5.8 degrees Celsius and a minimum of minus 3 degrees. In Gulmarg, temperatures reached a maximum of 2.4 degrees and a minimum of minus 5.6 degrees, while Pahalgam saw a maximum of 4.8 degrees and a minimum of minus 6.2 degrees. Jammu city reported a minimum temperature of 10.5 degrees, with Katra at 8.4, Batote at 4.6, Banihal at 0.7, and Bhaderwah at 2.5 degrees.
According to the MeT office, January 12 will see generally cloudy weather in the morning and forenoon, with an improvement later. January 13 is expected to be mainly clear and dry, while January 14 will remain generally cloudy with dry conditions. Light snow may occur at isolated higher reaches on January 15 and 16, followed by generally cloudy weather on January 17 and 18.
The harsh winter period known as ‘Chillai Kalan,’ lasting 40 days from December 21 to January 30, has locals relying on the ‘Pheran,’ a loose tweed garment, and the ‘Kangri,’ a firepot woven in willow wicker, to stay warm. The extreme cold can lead to hypothermia, especially impacting children and the elderly. Medical professionals advise caution against prolonged exposure to the cold, as it can constrict blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart issues.
Due to financial constraints, Jammu and Kashmir struggles to provide continuous electricity, forcing locals to rely on traditional means of warmth like the Pheran and Kangri. Issues such as power pilferage, transmission losses, and low consumer electricity charges contribute to the significant gap between energy demand and supply.
