Srinagar, Dec 16

Night temperatures across the Kashmir Valley continued to fall Monday as Jammu and Kashmir capital Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius.

"Night temperature dropped to minus 4.3 degrees Celsius in Srinagar today which is the lowest so far this season. The minimum temperature was minus 4.8 in Pahalgam while it was minus 0.2 in Gulmarg. In Leh town, it was minus 13.8, while Kargil town of Ladakh region recorded a minimum of minus 10 degrees," Sonam Lotus, director of the local meteorological department office said.

"Jammu city recorded 9.3 degrees as the minimum temperature", Lotus told IANS.

He said night temperatures could slide further by a few notches during the next two to three days.

"We expect light rain or snowfall in the higher reaches of the Valley Dec 18, but the overall weather is expected to remain unchanged during the next two to three days despite light rain or snowfall in the higher reaches," Lotus said.

Parts of Dal Lake in Srinagar city have already frozen because of sub-zero temperatures. Thin layers of frost have begun to form on city roads, forcing motorists to only venture out after sunrise.

The harshest spell of winter, known locally as "Chilla Kalan", is yet to begin. The 40-day period begins Dec 21 and ends Jan 31.