No respite from cold in Kashmir, Ladakh

Srinagar: Severe cold coupled with frequent power failure has badly affected normal life in the Kashmir valley, where the minimum temperature is likely to drop further during the next 48 hours.
The cold wave condition has led to an in increase in the prices of coal and kangri (Kahmiri fire pot).
According to the Met department spokesman, the weather will remain mainly dry during the next 48 hours.
Open sky during the night will result in further drop in the minimum temperature, he said.
The summer capital, Srinagar, recorded second coldest night after the minimum dipped to 1.8 degrees this morning. However, the coldest so far has been 1.7 degree on November 17, he added.
The world famous health resort of Pahalgam, about 100 km from here in south Kashmir, was coldest after the minimum was recorded at minus 1.2 followed by minus 0.8 degree at the famed ski resort of Gulmarg.
Qazigund, gateway of Kashmir valley on Srinagar-Jammu national highway recorded 0 degree minimum temperature, Kokernag 1.9 degrees and Kupwara 1.5 degrees.
The Met spokesman said the sky will remain partially cloudy during the next 48 hours, resulting in cold.
People, mostly labourers and motor mechanics could be seen burning wood near their place of work for keeping themselves warm.