Kashmir Shivers Amid Intensified Cold Wave; Snowfall Expected in Higher Reaches
SRINAGAR, Dec 26: Kashmir remains gripped by an unrelenting cold wave, with temperatures plummeting across the valley to several degrees below freezing. Officials reported widespread freezing conditions, causing significant disruptions as a thin layer of ice formed over numerous water bodies, including the iconic Dal Lake, and water supply lines froze solid.
The valley’s ongoing battle with sub-zero temperatures is expected to intensify, though a Western Disturbance poised to impact the region from Friday afternoon to Saturday may bring some relief in the form of light snowfall over the higher reaches.
Srinagar recorded a bone-chilling low of minus 7 degrees Celsius on Wednesday night, a slight improvement from the previous night’s minus 7.3 degrees Celsius, according to the meteorological department. Tourist destinations and localities across the valley experienced similarly harsh conditions. Gulmarg, renowned for its skiing slopes, registered minus 6 degrees Celsius, a marginal increase from the previous night’s minus 6.6 degrees.
Pahalgam, a picturesque town and base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, logged a frigid minus 8.6 degrees Celsius, edging down from minus 8.4 degrees recorded the prior night. Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, matched Srinagar’s minimum at minus 7 degrees Celsius. However, Konibal in the Pampore area emerged as the coldest place in the valley, with temperatures plummeting to an icy minus 9 degrees Celsius.
Kupwara, located in the northern part of the region, recorded minus 6.7 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag in south Kashmir registered a relatively less severe minus 5.5 degrees Celsius.
The meteorological department has forecast potential light snowfall in the higher altitudes late Friday afternoon through Saturday forenoon under the influence of the Western Disturbance. While the last days of December are expected to remain predominantly dry, the possibility of isolated light snowfall from January 1 to January 4 has been indicated.
The valley is currently in the throes of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the harshest 40-day period of winter that began on December 21. Characterized by its freezing temperatures and heightened chances of snowfall, this period plays a crucial role in shaping Kashmir’s winter narrative. ‘Chillai-Kalan’ is followed by 20 days of ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and 10 days of ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold), ensuring the region remains in the grip of wintry conditions well beyond the end of January.
Despite the discomforts caused by the extreme cold, this period has a profound cultural and environmental significance for the region. Snowfall during Chillai-Kalan is vital for replenishing water bodies and enriching the soil for the coming agricultural seasons. Additionally, the period brings a unique charm to the valley, with frozen landscapes creating a visual spectacle that attracts tourists from far and wide.
The cold wave has disrupted daily life, with residents struggling to cope with frozen infrastructure and limited mobility. However, the anticipated snowfall may provide some relief and could bring a much-needed boost to the region’s winter tourism. As the valley braces for another icy night, the spirit of resilience remains unbroken, with residents preparing to weather the challenges of Chillai-Kalan while looking forward to the eventual thaw.
