Srinagar recorded -4.2 degrees on the winter solstice. (File)
The harsh spell of winter in Kashmir, locally known as Chillai Kalan, has started, with temperatures in Srinagar dropping to minus 4.2 degrees last night.
Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded the lowest temperature in the Valley: minus 6.2 degree Celsius.
The 40-day cold spell, during which even tapwater freezes, usually lasts till January-end. This is followed by another cold spell in February. The second spell, lasting about 20 days, is known as Chillai-Khurd. A 10-day spell after that is called Chillai-Bachha.
The cold wave is expected to intensify in the coming days. Currently, there is no forecast of any major snowfall.
While higher reaches of Kashmir have received snowfall since November, there is no snow on the plains. Even at Gulmarg, Kashmir's most popular ski resort, the snow cover is insufficient for the sport.
Skiers and tourists are waiting for a good snowfall in Gulmarg to celebrate a white Christmas and begin the skiing season.
During the peak of winter in the Valley, large parts of Dal Lake and other water bodies freeze. Waterfalls at several places freeze too.
For the locals of Kashmir, one of the biggest challenges posed by the dropping mercury levels is coping with the intense cold amid the frequent power cuts.