Srinagar, Jan 28 (UNI) Chilly conditions further intensified after the mercury witnessed major drop in the Kashmir valley, where world famous ski resort of Gulmarg and health resort of Pahalgam freezes at minus 13.4 degree and minus 12.3 degree minimum temperature respectively.

There was no respite from the severe cold in summer capital of Srinagar, where the minimum temperature recorded further drop and settled at minus 5.6 degree.

Meanwhile, Met department has issued a warning for more cold wave during the next 48 hours in the valley, where due to chilly winds during the day snow remained frozen on roof tops and both sides of majority roads.

Met spokesman said the weather will be mainly dry and cold in the Jammu and Kashmir with morning mist during the next 24 hours. During the subsequent two days there will be no significant change, he said. However, there is possibility of a fresh Western Disturbance (WD) hitting the region which could result in scattered rain or snow on January 31st, a day after the 40-day-long Chilai Kalan , being considered harshest period of winter, will end.

Gulmarg, about 55 km from here in north Kashmir, was coldest in the valley after the minimum temperature recorded further drop and settled at minus 13.4 degree. The maximum temperature at Gulmarg was minus 4 degree. However, severe cold conditions have no impact on hundreds of skiers, including junior and senior girls besides tourists who are out since morning till late in the evening on the world class ski slopes.

The famed health resort of Pahalgam in south Kashmir was second coldest at minus 12.3 degree. As the snow freezes on high mountains, water level in water bodies, including river Lidder passing through Pahalgam, has witnessed major drop.

Qazigund and Kokernag in south Kashmir also recorded drop in the minimum temperature and settled at minus 10.5 degree and minus 10.7 degree respectively.

People in Srinagar continued to face severe cold wave conditions though sun made a brief from behind the clouds in the afternoon today. However, cold wave conditions also continued due to which snow on roof tops could not melt. Srinagar also witnessed further drop and settled at minus 5.6 degree with the result water bodies, including parts of Dal Lake were frozen. In many areas water supply was also hit after taps were frozen in the morning.

The sky would be mainly clear and maximum and minimum temperature would be around 7 and minus 7 degree respectively in Srinagar during the next 24 hours.

UNI ABS SY 1650