Biting cold with no prospect of major rain or snowfall till the end of the month continued in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, as minimum temperatures remained several notches below the freezing point across the Valley.

Srinagar recorded a minimum of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam registered minus 4.6 and Gulmarg touched zero degrees. In the Jammu region, Jammu city saw 8.5 degrees Celsius, Katra 9.4, Batote 6.3, Banihal 4.2 and Bhaderwah 1.9 degrees Celsius.

An extended dry spell has triggered multiple concerns in Kashmir. With no rain or snow, suspended particulate matter (SPM) has mixed with low-lying fog—particularly in and around Srinagar—resulting in smog. The air quality index (AQI) has deteriorated, leading to a surge in chest-related ailments aggravated by cold winds. Pul

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