Kashmir Turns Colder Than Antarctica, Heavy Snow Blankets Sonamarg to Gulmarg: Check Temperatures in 18 Cities

Presently, the Kashmir Valley is experiencing severe cold wave and most places have recorded the temperatures much below the freezing point. Chillai Kalan, which is one of the extreme winter time of 40 days duration has actually begun with a sense of worsening the bone-chilling condition.

In some part of Antarctica, the temperatures range from -1°C to -20°C; however, the temperature in Zojila of Kashmir has sunk to a minus 23°C- that is way colder than several areas in Antarctica.

Temperature Round-Up

According to the Meteorological Department, the following were the minimum temperatures recorded on Tuesday:

Srinagar: -6.6°C
Qazigund: -6.2°C
Pahalgam: -7.8°C
Kupwara: -6.4°C
Kokernag: -6.4°C
Gulmarg: -7.4°C
Sonamarg: -8.5°C
Zojila: -23.0°C
Bandipora: -6.4°C
Baramulla: -6.0°C
Budgam: -7.0°C
Ganderbal: -6.4°C
Pulwama: -8.5°C
Anantnag: -8.3°C
Khudwani: -7.1°C
Kulgam: -6.8°C
Shopian: -8.8°C
Larnu: -8.3°C

Heavy snowfall in various areas, which includes Sonamarg and Gulmarg, has coated the region white, paralyzing travel and restricting residents to their homes.

What to Expect in Coming Days

The Meteorological Department says that the gap between maximum and minimum temperatures has narrowed to such an extent that these extremely low temperatures are being recorded. The cold wave has intensified to such an extent that most water bodies, including parts of the Dal Lake, have started freezing.

Forecast: Light to moderate snowfall is likely in several parts of the Valley over the next week.
Precautions: Local authorities have advised people to refrain from traveling on slippery roads without proper safety measures. The elderly and children are advised to remain indoors especially during the early morning and late evening hours.

Chillai Kalan and Antarctic Temperatures

The phrase chillai kalan, Persian for "severe cold," commences each year on December 21 and goes on until January 29, marking the chilliest phase of winter in the Valley. Present temperatures in certain parts of Antarctica run as low as -1°C to -20°C. But Kashmir's Zojila has sunk to a bone-chilling -23°C, further reiterating how hostile conditions in the region can be.