Schools shut as Kashmir braces for snowfall

VALLEY EXPERIENCING CHILLY NIGHTS AND FOGGY MORNINGS AS SRINAGAR RECORDS MINUS 3°C ON TUESDAY NIGHT

SRINAGAR : Schools up to Class 8 were closed for winter vacation in Kashmir on Wednesday amid freezing weather conditions even as weatherman predicted snow and rains from coming Sunday.

While the class work from nursery to eighth standard continued till December 4, Classes 9 to Class 12 will remain operational till December 15.

The Valley is experiencing chilly nights and foggy mornings as Srinagar recorded minus 3°C on Tuesday night.

Officials at Srinagar’s weather office said that the day temperatures are hovering around 11°C to 12°C. “The sub-zero night temperatures may continue for a few more days till December 9 when we are expecting rains and snow,” said meteorologist M Hussain Mir.

“This is not a cold wave. Normally during this time of the year we experience temperatures below zero. These can deviate a degree or two from average.”The official said that the wet weather will sustain from December 9 to 13.

EARLY ONSET OF SNOW

Srinagar received season’s first snowfall on November 3, setting the tone for wet weather early winter this season. This was after nine years that the city draped in white in November.

“This winter we got more snow and rains. We have already received 100 mm of rains since October 1. Our average from October 01 to December 31 is 105 mm,” said Mir.

The weatherman has predicted three spells of rains and snow from December 9 to 13, December 16 to 17 and finally on December 25. The intense winter (Challai Kalan) starts in the valley from December 21 and lasts for 40 day period followed by Chillai Khurd (20 days which are less intense) and Chillai Bache (10 days of mild cold).

With frequent power cuts, Kangris come to the rescue

People in the region are facing a tough time owing to the chill amid frequent power cuts. Woollens have flooded the market and the sale of Kangris (traditional firepots) and appliances like room heaters and electric blankets have also increased.

Many homes have covered their windows with transparent polythene to keep rooms warm. “Electricity plays hide and seek, so we have kept coal for Kangris. It is not easy to sustain without the fire-pot in winter,” said Sajad Ahmad, a student of old city.