Srinagar, 03-02-2024 : Over the weekend, a fresh blanket of snow enveloped various parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar city, marking the onset of a spell of anticipated moderate to heavy snowfall in the region as predicted by the Meteorological department. The day commenced with snowfall in the higher altitudes of Kashmir, gradually descending to the plains as the day unfolded, creating a picturesque winter landscape.
Despite the scenic beauty, the day temperatures are expected to hover between zero and three degrees Celsius in most places across Kashmir, signifying the persistence of cold conditions. The authorities have responded proactively by issuing avalanche warnings for hilly and mountainous areas, emphasizing the need for caution among residents and urging motorists to drive carefully on slippery roads.
While the night witnessed a slight relief from the intense cold, the minimum temperatures remained several degrees below the normal for this time of the year. Notably, the famous skiing resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a chilling low of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, experiencing a slight increase from the previous night’s minus 12.0 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam, the tourist resort in south Kashmir and the base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra, recorded a low of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius.
Other towns in south Kashmir, including Kokernag and Qazigund, reported lows of minus 5.4 degrees Celsius. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 1.7 degrees Celsius, further highlighting the prevailing cold spell in the region.
Recent data indicated a significant drop in temperatures across Kashmir, with unofficial reports suggesting extreme cold conditions in Larnoo town, Anantnag district, recording an astonishing minus 17.1 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the Sonamarg resort on the Srinagar-Leh highway reported a low of minus 15.1 degrees Celsius.
Despite the conclusion of the 40-day harshest winter period known as ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ earlier in the week, the cold wave persists in Kashmir. The valley is currently navigating a 20-day-long ‘Chilla-i-Khurd’ (small cold), followed by a subsequent 10-day ‘Chilla-i-Bachha’ (baby cold). As residents brace themselves for the continued winter chill, authorities remain vigilant in managing potential risks associated with the ongoing snowfall and maintaining public safety.