Kashmir Valley Gripped by Sub-Zero Temperatures Amid Winter Chill
Srinagar, Nov 21: The Kashmir Valley continues to shiver under sub-zero temperatures as the grip of winter intensifies following recent snowfall in the higher reaches, officials said on Thursday. For the second consecutive night, the mercury dipped below freezing point in Srinagar and several other parts of the Valley, marking the early onset of harsh winter conditions.
The weather office reported that Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, showing a slight improvement from the previous night’s minus 0.7 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature remained 1.1 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average, adding to the chill.
The cold was more severe in other parts of the Valley. Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, registered a biting low of minus 2 degrees Celsius, while the picturesque Pahalgam recorded the coldest temperature in the region at minus 3.2 degrees Celsius.
Gulmarg, a popular ski resort and tourist destination, witnessed a low of 0 degrees Celsius, maintaining its icy charm. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a minimum of minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag offered slight relief with a temperature of 0.7 degrees Celsius, just above freezing point.
The current cold wave was triggered by snowfall in the upper reaches of the Valley last week, which blanketed the higher altitudes and contributed to the sharp dip in temperatures across the region.
The Meteorological Department forecasts that these chilly conditions will persist until November 23. A change in weather is anticipated on November 24, with a likelihood of cloudy skies and scattered light rain or snow, especially in the higher altitudes of the Valley.
Residents have begun bracing for the approaching “Chillai Kalan,” the 40-day period of intense cold that traditionally begins in late December, as they experience an early taste of Kashmir’s harsh winter. The drop in temperatures has also impacted daily life, with households relying on heating appliances and traditional methods to combat the cold.
The freezing conditions have brought a scenic transformation to the region, with frost-draped mornings and the prospect of more snowfall luring tourists to Kashmir’s winter destinations. However, locals remain wary of disruptions to daily life, particularly in remote and mountainous areas where severe cold often impacts mobility and infrastructure.
As Kashmir settles into its winter rhythm, the anticipation of snow-covered landscapes and increased tourist activity is tempered by the challenges of navigating sub-zero conditions. The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to address any weather-related difficulties that may arise.
