Kashmir Valley shivers, Leh freezes at minus 12 degrees

Srinagar: An intense cold wave swept the Kashmir valley on Sunday as minimum temperatures dropped below the freezing point overnight. Leh town in Ladakh region recorded a minimum temperature of minus 12.1 degrees Celsius.

"The minimum temperatures throughout the valley dropped below zero today (Sunday)," an official of the local weather office said.

The minimum temperature was minus 0.8 in Srinagar city, minus 4.3 in Pahalgam and minus 9.2 in Gulmarg.

In Jammu region, minimum of 8.5 degrees was recorded in Jammu, 8.5 degrees in Katra, 2.5 degrees in Batote, 0.3 degree in Bhaderwah and 2.5 degrees in Banihal town.

"We are expecting a further drop in the night temperatures across the state during the next three to four days.

"During this period, weather is expected to remain dry. Clear night skies will cause further drop in minimum temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir," the MET official said.

The 40-day period of bitter cold, known locally as 'chillai kalan', begins on December 21 and ends on January 31. Lakes, streams and rivers freeze in the valley freeze during the period.