Srinagar: Weather woes could worsen further as mercury is likely to dip further in the next two days in Kashmir valley, where water bodies and taps remained frozen, affecting normal life.
However, the New Year could bring some break from the severe chilly conditions as Meteorological department has predicted scattered rain or snow on January I.
People in Ladakh region continued to shiver as the minimum temperature at Leh and Kargil was minus 17.5 degree and minus 16.7 degree respectively.
On Saturday afternoon a Meteorological department spokesman said that the minimum temperature remained below freezing point in the Kashmir valley, including summer capital, Srinagar due to clear sky with icy cold winds. People complained water shortage after water taps were frozen in Srinagar and elsewhere in the valley.
He said world famous health resort of Pahalgam, 100 km from here in south Kashmir was coldest in the valley as the minimum temperature was minus 8.2 degree. The water level in river Lidder, passing through Pahalgam, and other water bodies in south Kashmir has witnessed drop as the snow on upper heights remained frozen.
Gulmarg, world famous ski resort, where authorities are preparing to celebrate New Year, was second coldest at minus 7 degree. However, despite chilly conditions, local and other guests from across the country are visiting Gulmarg, where ski slopes are under white carpet of snow.
Qazigund, the gate of Kashmir on Srinagar-Jammu national highway recorded minus 6.2 degree minimum temperature followed by Kupwara minus 6 and Kokernag minus 5.8 degree.
However, the summer capital, Srinagar, was colder than ski resort of Gulmarg at minus 7.2 degree. The famed Dal Lake remained frozen, attracting large number of locals and tourists.