Srinagar again turns white after fresh snowfall, chill intensifies

Srinagar, Jan 24: Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, again turned white due to fresh snowfall early this morning, resulting in considerable chill though the minimum temperature has recorded improvement. The Kashmir University (KU) and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have postponed all examinations till January 26 following forecast issued by the Meteorological department, predicted moderate to heavy snowfall from today. It was snowing as people woke up this morning in the city, where the minimum temperature had recorded more than three degrees improvement but the day became chilly. Roof and tree tops, besides roads and open fields, had turned white following fresh snowfall. People had to face a tough time while driving their vehicles on slippery roads due to snowfall. However, as the snow accumulated on the road was very less therefore snow clearance machines could not be used to clear the white powder. There is already frozen snow on majority roof tops in the city. The night temperature which was minus 4.1 degree, two notches below normal yesterday witnessed surge and settled at minus 0.6 degree, 1.4 notches above normal. However, after the morning snowfall, the maximum temperature recorded considerable drop coupled with icy cold winds. Majority people remained confined in their homes. The doctors have already advised people, suffering from blood pressure, heart disease and chest infection to avoid venturing out, particularly in the morning and evening when temperature goes down. Elders and children have also been advised to remain indoor. Though transporters had deferred their 72-hour-long strike, which started from yesterday, very less number of passenger vehicles could be seen on the roads, particularly in the morning. However, braving snowfall and chilly weather conditions, students were seen going to tuition centres and coaching classes in the city, particularly in the uptown. Met department has already predicted rain and snow today when the maximum temperature will be around 3 degree, four notches below normal. Srinagar recorded highest snowfall after more than ten years this time after witnessing about six month long dry spell.