Image Source: Agencies

Kashmir introduced the New Year on a dry note even as the virus wave escalated in the valley with the base temperature plunging a few degrees further underneath the edge of freezing over, authorities said on Monday.

There has been no snowfall in most plain area of Kashmir while upper spans of the valley have additionally gotten lesser than regular measure of snow toward December's end.

The open skies have brought about the base temperature sliding further in many parts, including Srinagar, the authorities said.

The base temperature decreased in the mid year capital of Srinagar to less 5.2 degrees Celsius from the earlier night's short 3.4 degrees Celsius, they said.

Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag region, which fills in as one of the headquarters for the yearly Amarnath Yatra, recorded a base temperature of less 5.7 degrees Celsius, down from the earlier night's less 3.4 degrees Celsius, they said.

Qazigund recorded a low of less 3.6 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag town saw the base settle at short 1.7 degrees Celsius and Kupwara recorded at least less 4.5 degrees Celsius.

Kashmir is as of now under the grasp of 'Chilla-I-Kalan' — the 40-day cruelest winter period when a virus wave holds the district and the temperature decreases extensively prompting the freezing of water bodies, including the Dal Lake along with the water supply lines in a few pieces of the valley.

The possibilities of snowfall are the most noteworthy during this period and most regions, particularly the higher spans, get weighty snowfall. 'Chilla-I-Kalan' will end on January 31.

Notwithstanding, the virus conditions will go on after that with a 20-day-long 'Chilla-I-Khurd' (little cold) and a 10-day-long 'Chilla-I-Bachha' (child cold).