Intense cold temperatures continued in Jammu and Kashmir as the Meteorological (MeT) office forecasted cold and dry weather for 24 hours in the Union Territory.
On Saturday, Srinagar saw a high of 5.8 degrees and low of minus 3 degrees on Sunday. Gulmarg had a high of 2.4 degrees on Saturday and low of minus 5.6 degrees on Sunday. Pahalgam saw a high of 4.8 degrees and low of minus 6.2 degrees.
In Jammu city, the minimum temperature was 10.5 degrees, Katra 8.4, Batote 4.6, Banihal 0.7 and Bhaderwah 2.5.
MeT office forecast: “On January 12, generally cloudy in the morning and forenoon, and improvement thereafter. On January 13, mainly clear with dry weather. On January 14, generally cloudy with dry weather. On January 15 and 16, generally cloudy with light snow at isolated higher reaches. On January 17 and 18, generally cloudy.”
The region is in the midst of ‘Chillai Kalan’ which started on December 21 and will end on January 30. To beat the cold, locals are relying on traditional methods like wearing the ‘Pheran’ and using the ‘Kangri’ to stay warm.
Doctors have advised people especially children and elderly to limit their exposure to cold to avoid hypothermia. Hypothermia can constrict blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and heart failure.
With power pilferage, transmission losses and low tariff charged to consumers, 24x7 power supply is not affordable in J&K. Hence Pheran and Kangri has become a must for people braving Chillai Kalan.
