Severe cold grips Jammu and Kashmir, Kargil at minus 23.6

Srinagar: Intense cold wave continued in the valley on Wednesday as Kargil in Ladakh region recorded bone-chilling night temperature at minus 23.6, lowest so far in Jammu and Kashmir this season.

"Cold wave conditions are likely to continue in the valley and the Ladakh region for at least another three to four days," a Met official said.

The Dal Lake in Srinagar city froze at many places.

The Kashmir Valley is passing through the 40-day long harsh winter cold known the `Chillai Kalan" that will end on January 30.

Leh was the second coldest town in the state with the minimum temperature recorded at minus 17.4 degrees Celsius.

Pahalgam recorded minus 7.5 and Gulmarg minus 8.6 degrees Celsius.

Jammu city recorded 4.4, Katra town 7.4, Batote 2.6, Banihal minus 1.8, Bhaderwah minus 0.5 and Udhampur 0.4 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperatures.