Srinagar, Jan 6 (IANS) The freezing cold wave continued across the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region Thursday with Srinagar at minus 5 degrees Celsius and Leh at minus 16.2 degrees. However, some relief is expected by Saturday, the weatherman said.

‘The minimum temperature in Srinagar was minus 5.0 degrees Celsius today. It was minus 16.2 in Leh and minus 16.4 in Kargil town of Ladakh region.

‘In north Kashmir Gulmarg ski resort, the minimum temperature was minus 8.4 degrees Celsius while in south Kashmir Pahalgam hill station it was minus 9.5 degrees Celsius,’ said A.R. Zargar, assistant meteorologist here.

Zargar said western disturbance was approaching the Valley and the Ladakh region, which would result in some relief from the present cold wave.

‘By Saturday the approaching western disturbance is likely to result in some precipitation here. This will raise the minimum temperatures thereby resulting in relief from the present cold wave conditions,’ the meteorologist said.

Due to clear night skies across the Valley and Ladakh region, the night temperatures have remained much below the freezing point during the last fortnight.