Coldest night of the season freezes Dal lake

Srinagar, Jan 6 (UNI) Parts of world famous Dal lake were partially frozen this morning after the Kashmir valley witnessed the coldest night of the season.

However, despite icy cold winds, the day temperature remained above normal owing to a clear weather.

A UNI correspondent, who visited the Dal lake early this morning, saw some partially frozen areas of the Dal lake. However, the ice melted as the day progressed.

The Dal was first frozen fully in the early sixties when, the minimum temperature went down to minus ten degree to minus 12 degree. It is said that at the time when it was completely frozen, a vehicle passed over its surface.

It was again completely frozen in 1986, and attracted thousands of tourists besides Kashmiris from far flung areas, as it transformed into a cricket ground for the children.

A house boat owner Abdul Hamid said if the minimum temperature goes down further by three to four degree, the Lake will solidify again.

It was so the coldest night of '' Chalai Kalan'', (40 day coldest period of winter starting from December 21).

A weather office spokesman told UNI the minimum temperature dipped to minus 5.1 degree, which was three degree below normal.

He said cold wave intensifed in the Kashmir valley becuase the Western Disturbances (WD) from Pakistan have not yet reached here.

We are expecting the WD from Northern Pakistan to arrive during the next 48 hours which could bring some relief, he said adding these disturbances could cause rain or snowfallby bringing the minimum and maximum temperatures near normal.

However, he said, the days in Kashmir are warm though the icy cold winds are sweeping the entire belt.

Because of clear weather, the maximum temperature was 9.5 degree, 4.5 degree above normal.

UNI