Kashmir, Ladakh reel under sub-zero temperatures as harsh winter sets in, water supplies hit in many areas

SRINAGAR: Kashmir and Ladakh are reeling under sub-zero temperatures even as the 40-day intense winter period “Chillai Kalan” started in the Valley on Monday, indicating that freezing night temperatures will continue.

The minus temperature has not only impacted the water supplies in many areas of Kashmir, but the water bodies especially Dal Lake have frozen in patches.

It is in place to mention that Srinagar witnessed on 19 December, the lowest temperature of the season. In Ladakh region, Leh witnessed minus 12 degrees Celsius during the night while in Kargil the temperatures dipped to minus 20 degrees Celsius.

In Kashmir Valley, the MET department, giving details of different places about the sub-zero temperatures, said that Gulmarg witnessed a temperature of minus 6.4 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg has already had four spells of snow this winter and winter games have begun on the icy slopes of the resort.

MET Director of Kashmir Sonam Lotus told the media that the Valley would receive light snowfall with the onset of Chillai Kalan. If his prediction goes right, there may be some respite from the sub-zero temperatures during snowfall. Giving details about the Jammu region MET officials said the Jammu was cold at 5.8 degrees Celsius.