Srinagar, De Dec 13 (IANS): With the minimum temperature dropping to minus 3.5 degrees Celsius Friday, Srinagar witnessed the season's coldest night so far, and the Leh town in Ladakh region recorded its lowest at minus 13 degrees Celsius.

"Srinagar recorded the season's lowest temperature Friday at minus 3.5 degrees Celsius. Leh town at minus 13 degrees also recorded this season's lowest temperature, an official of the weather department said here.

"The night temperature was minus 5.4 in Gulmarg and minus 7.2 in Pahalgam, while Jammu city recorded a minimum of 6 degrees," the official added.

The official also said due to expected clear skies and dry weather, night temperatures would drop further across Jammu and Kashmir during the next 48 hours.

"The present cold conditions are likely to intensify during the next 48 hours because of dry and clear weather," the official said.

Temperatures falling several notches below the freezing point across the valley a week ahead of the traditional 40-day severe winter period called the 'Chilla Kalan', which begins Dec 21, indicates tougher days ahead for the Kashmiris.

Parts of the Dal Lake in Srinagar city and other water bodies have already started to freeze. Residents here are covering exposed portions of drinking water supply pipes with glass wool to prevent freezing.

"Despite these precautions, I had to light a small fire at the base of the supply pipe to de-freeze it Friday morning," said Javaid Ahmad, 43, who lives in Lal Bazaar area of Srinagar.