Srinagar, Dec 15: A relentless cold wave continues to grip the Kashmir Valley, plunging night temperatures below freezing and disrupting daily life. While minor improvements in temperatures were recorded at some weather stations, officials at the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar have warned that the cold wave is expected to persist in the coming days.
According to the Met Department, the valley will experience dry weather until December 21, marking the onset of Chilai-e-Kalan—the harshest 40-day stretch of winter that traditionally brings freezing conditions and heavy snowfall.
In Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, the mercury dipped to -3.4°C on Saturday night, which is 2.2°C below the season’s average of 1.2°C for this time of year. The biting cold has impacted early morning routines and posed challenges for residents.
The gateway town of Qazigund, located along the vital Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, experienced a slight improvement in temperature at -4.0°C, compared to the previous night’s bone-chilling -5.6°C. However, the reading was still 2.6°C below normal for this period.
Pahalgam, the picturesque tourist destination and a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, recorded a temperature of -4.8°C on Sunday. Although warmer than the previous night’s frigid -8.4°C, the current temperature remains 0.7°C below normal, continuing to highlight the region’s bitterly cold conditions.
Kokernag, another popular tourist spot in south Kashmir, saw its temperature at -2.8°C, an improvement from the previous night’s -4.2°C, yet still 1.3°C below normal for this time of year.
The famous ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district also reported an improvement, recording -3.8°C as opposed to -7.6°C the previous night. Interestingly, Gulmarg’s temperature on Sunday was 1.2°C above normal, providing a slight reprieve to the tourist destination, which is a hotspot for winter sports enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, Kupwara in north Kashmir continued to battle subzero temperatures, with the mercury falling to -1.3°C, slightly better than its usual -1.5°C for this time of the season.
The cold wave has disrupted water supply lines in many areas due to freezing temperatures. Roads in remote regions are slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Residents are resorting to traditional heating methods as electricity demand surges across the valley.
With the onset of Chilai-e-Kalan just days away, authorities are bracing for an intensification of the cold spell. The dry weather forecast until December 21 has raised concerns over a possible delay in snowfall, which is vital for replenishing water resources for the coming agricultural season.
Despite the challenges, locals and tourists alike are embracing the chill, with several regions, including Gulmarg and Pahalgam, reporting an uptick in tourist activity. Winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding, remain a major attraction for adventure enthusiasts visiting the valley.
As Kashmir continues to battle the biting cold, residents are preparing for the harsher days ahead, hoping that the snow will blanket the valley soon, bringing both relief and scenic beauty to the region.