Srinagar records coldest night at minus 4.2 degree, surface traffic disrupted

Srinagar, Dec 25: The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, recorded the coldest night of the season on Sunday after the minimum temperature witnessed a drop of more than two notches to settle at minus 4.2 degree.

Meanwhile, surface transport was badly affected in the city due to dense fog since early Monday morning, while flights operated as per schedule from Srinagar international airport. However, despite directions from the authorities, several coaching and tuition centres were functioning from early morning in the city.
Due to clear sky during the night, the minimum temperature recorded more than two degree drop against yesterday's and settled at minus 4.2 degree, two notches below normal in Srinagar, where the water bodies had partially frozen near banks early this morning. At some places, particularly in the outskirts, water taps were also frozen affecting water supply. However, people were seen de-freezing their taps by burning wood near taps. 
There was also more than two degree below normal maximum temperature due cold breeze coupled with cloudy sky in Srinagar yesterday though weather was dry. 
The night will become more chilly during the next 72 hours in Srinagar due to dry weather, Met department spokesman told UNI, adding that there is almost no possibility of rain in the valley in near future.
People woke up to a chilly morning coupled with dense fog in the city, where only few vehicles could be seen plying with headlights on in a very low speed. The visibility was so poor that one could not see beyond 15 feet. However, the situation improved as the day progressed as sun appeared though the intensity of heat was very low.
Surprisingly, students, including girls, were seen marching towards their respective tuition and coaching centres since this morning despite clear direction by the administration to operate from 0900 hrs. Authorities have already taken action against some centres for violating norms.
However, the visibility at Srinagar International Airport was good and flights operated as per schedule, an official of airport said. UNI