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Srinagar, Nov 11 (IANS) Cold wave conditions continued in Kashmir Valley on Tuesday as the minimum temperature in Srinagar city dropped to minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, the coldest night recorded so far this season. “As expected, the minimum temperature dropped further in the valley today as Srinagar city recorded the coldest night of this season so far at minus 0.4 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature is likely to drop further in the coming days as we expect cold, dry weather to continue during the next 15 days,” Meteorological (MeT) department officials said. The minimum temperature in famous tourist spot Gulmarg was also recorded at minus 0.4 degrees, while the minimum temperature in Pahalgam was recorded at minus 3.4 degrees. An official of the Meteorological Department said that the minimum temperature was recorded at 11.4 degrees in Jammu city, 10.4 degrees in Mata Vaishno Devi base camp city Katra, 4.3 degrees in Batote and 1.9 degrees in Bhaderwah. Clear skies at night and cold winds blowing into the valley from the snow-clad mountain peaks have led to the current cold wave conditions in the valley, although the traditional harsh cold begins with a 40-day bitter weather period called ‘Chillai Kalan’. Every year, Chillai Kalan starts on 21 December and ends on 30 January. During the 40-day long period of severe cold, the local people face many difficulties like freezing of drinking water taps, slippery roads and morning fog, making movement difficult for pedestrians and motorists. Since schools across the valley do not have adequate heating facilities, educational institutions go into winter vacation by the end of December and resume functioning by mid or late February, depending on snowfall and temperature. Doctors have advised people, especially the elderly and children, not to expose themselves to cold for prolonged periods. Renowned local pulmonologist, Dr Naveed Nazir Shah has said that it is important for older people and children to avoid exposure to cold air for long periods as it can cause lung problems leading to chest infections and breathing problems. –IANS class/dpb