Srinagar, Jan 22: Snowfall in Kashmir last week might have brought some respite from cold wave for some time but the bone-chilling cold has returned to haunt people with temperature hovering several notches below freezing point across the Valley. The MeT department has predicted cold and dry conditions over the valley till ending January, with possibility of light snowfall and rain over the higher reaches. “There is a possibility of light snowfall on 23 and 24th January at isolated places in Kashmir. However the weather in most parts of the Valley is likely to remain dry till the end of this month,” Director MeT, Sonam Lotus, said.
 He said due to ongoing cold wave, both day and night temperatures are showing dip and are running several degrees below normal. The official said the summer capital Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.3 degree Celsius, which is three degrees below normal and two  degrees less than yesterday’s temperature of minus 3. Tourist resort of Pahalgam which remained coldest place of the Valley recorded minimum temperature of minus 13.2 degree Celsius while as the ski resort of Gulmarg recorded minimum of minus 10.2 degree Celsius. Leh recorded minimum temperature of minus 17.6 degree.
 Due to the cold wave, people were hesitant to venture out of their homes while as markets across the valley witnessed less rush of people.
 Meanwhile talking to Greater Kashmir SP Rural (Traffic), Manzoor Ahmad Dalal said on 23 January, traffic shall ply from Srinagar to Jammu on the highway, subjected to fair weather conditions.  “However all vehicles must cross the Qazigund-Lowermunda toll post before 12 noon,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 22 Jan 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 IST