A Kashmiri fisherman aims a harpoon to catch fish in the frozen waters of Anchar Lake. AP

Gulf Today Report

Srinagar city recorded its coldest night on Thursday as the minimum temperature plummeted to minus 8.4 degrees Celsius , a record broken after 25 years.

Weather officials said the minimum temperature in the city was recorded at minus 8.3 degrees Celsius  way back in 1995.

"Today's temperature of minus 8.4 degrees Celsius broke that record. This night was the coldest in Srinagar in 25 years. In the coming days we do not expect the minimum temperatures to fall further", a Meteorological Department official said.

Kashmiri fishermen wait covered with blankets and hay on boats, to catch fish with harpoons in the frozen waters of Anchar Lake.

The 40-day harsh winter period, known locally the 'Chillai Kalan', will end on January 31.

Hardship for the locals is compounded by the failure of the electric supply in the rural areas while the same remained erratic in semi-urban and urban areas.

Residents walk along a street during a heavy snowfall in Srinagar. Photos: File/ AFP

Meanwhile, Pahalgam recorded a minimum of minus 11.1 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg minus 7.0 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

Leh town in Ladakh recorded low of minus 16.8 degrees Celsius , Kargil minus 19.6 degrees Celsius , and Drass 28.3 degrees Celsius  at night.

Jammu city witnessed a minimum of 5.9 degrees Celsius , Katra 4.8 degrees Celsius , Batote 6.1 degrees Celsius , Bannihal 6.2 degrees Celsius , and Bhaderwah 0.3 degrees Celsius .