Srinagar, Dec 16: Kashmir continues to be in sub-zero night temperatures with Srinagar recording the coldest night of the season so far at minus 3.6 degrees Celsius on Friday night. The minimum temperatures at the health resort of Pahalgam in south Kashmir settled at minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, officials said.
The sub-zero temperatures for the last two weeks have been leading to partial freezing of water bodies including Dal Lake and water supply lines. The Meteorological Department has predicted cold wave and dry weather till 25th of December.
The Met department revealed the ski-resort Gulmarg recorded minus 2.5 degrees Celsius.
Qazigund recorded a minimum of 11.2 degrees Celsius while Kokernag town registered a low of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded minus 3.6 degrees Celsius .
Director MeT Kashmir, Sonam Lotus told Rising Kashmir that they were expecting dry and clear weather till 25th December. He said in the next few days, temperatures were likely to witness more decline.
As per the traffic advisory, there will be two-way traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu highway for Saturday, “Subject to fair weather better road condition, LMVs (Passenger) shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic,” advisory read.
Similarly on Mughal road, LMVs from both sides and HMVs (upto twelve tyres) from Srinagar towards Poonch shall be allowed on Mughal road. LMVs from Behramgalla 0800 hrs upto 1500 hrs., from Herpora 0800 hrs upto 1600 hrs & HMVs from Herpora 0900 hrs. upto 1500 hrs, the advisory said.
On the Srinagar-Leh highway, vehicular movement shall be allowed from Kargil towards Srinagar, the official said, adding that it will be followed by HMVs. No vehicle will be allowed after cut-off timings.