Parts of Dal again freezes as Kashmir recorded 2nd coldest night

Srinagar, Jan 24 (UNI) Parts of the world famous Dal Lake were again frozen this morning after the Kashmir valley recorded second coldest night of the winter with mercury dipping to minus 5.8 degrees celsius.

People in Leh, Kargil and Drass continued to shiver as there was no improvement in the night temperature. However, the day was relatively warm.

Parts of Dal Lake were again partially frozen this morning near banks after the minimum temperature dipped to minus 5.8 degrees, four degree below normal.

However, the frozen parts melted as the day progressed and the day temperature rose to one degree above normal.

Today was the second coldest morning, a weather office spokesman said adding that the coldest night was on January 2 when the temperature dipped to minus 7.4, and major parts of the Lake were completely frozen.

Water taps in many areas were also frozen, affecting normal water supply.

The minimum was recorded at minus 7.9 degrees when the Lake was totally frozen and people, mostly children, were playing cricket and ice hockey on its surface in 1986. However, in 1998 the minimum dipped to minus 7.5.

However, the lowest minimum was recorded on December 13,1964 when water in the Lake was totally frozen and a vehicle crossed the water body from one end to another.

The water level in the river Jhelum and its tributaries has slightly increased as snow on the upper reaches had started melting due to above normal temperature during the day.

The upper reaches in the valley had experienced five to ten feet of snowfall in the first fortnight of this month, generating a hope of sufficient water during summer months.

However, experts said snow was not enough to last summer months.

UNI BAS YSS BDP VC1845