Srinagar, Nov 22 (IANS): The night temperatures are likely to fall further in the Kashmir Valley in the next seven days, making the weather cold and dry, an official said Tuesday.

"The minimum temperature was 1.8 degrees Celsius in summer capital Srinagar. It was minus 1.5 degrees in south Kashmir's Pahalgam town and minus 0.5 degrees in north Kashmir's Gulmarg ski resort," Sonam Lotus, director of the local weather office, told IANS.

"The night temperatures are going to fall further and the people should be ready to face colder nights during the next seven days," he added.

Leh town in the cold desert Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir recorded a minimum of minus 7.6 degrees Celsius. The mercury fell to minus 5.4 degrees in Kargil town of the same region.

Government offices, banks, post offices and business establishments in Kashmir have started using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) heaters and charcoal stoves to keep work places warm.

But there are no heating arrangements inside the classrooms of various private and public schools.

"Although some reputed public schools charge heavy fees, there are no heating arrangements in the classrooms. Children in nursery and primary classes have been complaining of severe cold inside the classrooms," said Javaid Ahmad, 42, a parent.

Locals have started wearing woollen jerseys and tweed over-garments known as 'pherans' in Srinagar and other places in the valley.

Earthen fire pots woven in willow wicker known as 'kangris' are in great demand.

"A kangri costs between Rs.80 and Rs.150 per piece. As power scarcity has already hit the valley, the kangri continues to remain the poor man's best bet against the bone-chilling winter cold," said photojournalist Raashid Bhat.

Pavement sellers and readymade garment shops are doing roaring business these days as tourists and locals throng these shops to buy woollens, tweed coats and shawls.