Kashmir Valley continues to be in deep freeze

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Minimum temperatures continued to remain much below the freezing point in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir Valley on Saturday. The Met office here said weather will be similar for the next few days.

"From today till February 3, we are not expecting any precipitation here. However, a light snowfall could occur in the higher reaches of the valley on January 31," said Sonam Lotus, director of the weather office here.

"The night temperatures will continue to remain between minus four and minus five during the next three to four days," Lotus added.

Saturday's minimum temperature was minus 4.8 degrees Celsius in Srinagar. It ranged between minus 12.2 and 12.5 in Pahalgam and Gulmarg, and a deep-freeze minus 17.2 in Leh and minus 19 in Kargil.

But day temperatures rose as the sun shone in a clear sky.

"The maximum temperature, which has improved from six to 10 degrees during the last two days across the valley, will remain around nine to 10 degrees Celsius in the next three to four days," Lotus said.

People in Srinagar city are still complaining of ruptured water pipes due to the sub-zero night temperatures.

"I was shown freeze resistant water pipes by a dealer yesterday, but their cost is three times more than the usual ones. I have already changed the ruptured water pipes in my home twice so far," said Muhammad Shaban, 54, resident.

Since night temperatures have fallen to sub-zero temperatures, water in the pipes freezes and expands, causing the lines to burst.