Srinagar- Kashmir continued to reel under cold conditions on Thursday as night temperatures remained several degrees below freezing at most places, officials said.
According to data from the Meteorological Department, Sonamarg in central Kashmir recorded the lowest temperature at minus 11.2 degrees Celsius, down from minus 9.8 degrees Celsius the previous night.
Other tourist and hill stations also witnessed sub-zero temperatures, with Gulmarg recording minus 9 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam minus 4.5 degrees Celsius, Kupwara minus 3.5 degrees Celsius, and Qazigund at zero degrees Celsius.
Srinagar recorded a low of minus 0.6 degrees Celsius, slightly above the seasonal average. Kokernag also registered a minimum temperature of minus 0.6 degrees Celsius.
Officials said the ongoing Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day harshest phase of winter that began on December 21, is set to conclude on January 30. Despite its end, cold conditions are expected to persist during the subsequent Chillai-Khurd and Chillai-Bachha phases.
The Meteorological Department said the weather is likely to remain generally dry till January 31. A fresh western disturbance is expected to affect the region from February 1, bringing light to moderate rain or snowfall at several places on February 1 and 2. Partly cloudy conditions are forecast from February 3 to 6.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority issued an advisory, warning of a medium-level avalanche risk above 2,400 metres in parts of Bandipora over the next 24 hours. Residents and travellers were advised to avoid avalanche-prone areas and check road conditions before travel.
