Bitter cold envelops Kashmir, Ladakh

Srinagar/Anantnag, Dec 10: South Kashmir has been experiencing a severe cold wave over the past few days, with minimum temperatures plummeting drastically, even in lower-lying areas.

On Tuesday night, Anantnag recorded a bone-chilling low of minus 7.9 degrees Celsius, while Larnoo registered minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest spots in Kashmir.

The temperature in tourist hotspot Pahalgam also dipped to minus 8.5 degrees Celsius.

Shopian district saw temperatures drop to minus 8.1 degrees Celsius, and nearby Pulwama, usually warmer due to its lower altitude, froze at minus 8.3 degrees Celsius.

Kulgam recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius, indicating the severity of the cold in south Kashmir.

Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.4 degrees Celsius while

Kokernag recorded minus 4 degrees Celsius.

North Kashmir

Although north Kashmir also experienced a cold wave, the temperatures there were slightly higher.

Bandipora recorded minus 5.5 degrees Celsius, Baramulla minus 5.1 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara minus 4.5 degrees Celsius.

However, the Gulmarg ski resort in Baramulla district recorded a bone-chilling low of minus 9 degrees Celsius.

Central Kashmir

In central Kashmir, frozen conditions prevailed as Srinagar recorded minus 5.4 degrees Celsius, causing the outer banks of Dal Lake and several other water bodies to freeze partially while Ganderbal registered minus 5.2 degrees Celsius and Budgam minus 6.4 degrees Celsius.

The Sonmarg tourist resort was the coldest in Kashmir, hitting minus 9.7 degrees Celsius.

Below-normal night temperatures

According to officials, the night temperatures were 2.7 to 5.7 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average.

South colder than north, central Kashmir

Meteorologist Mukhtar Ahmad attributed south Kashmir’s extreme cold to recent snowfall in its higher reaches.

“The snowfall at Sinthan Top, Margan Top, and Pir-Ki-Gali along Mughal Road has significantly lowered temperatures even in relatively low-lying areas,” he said.

Sinthan Pass, located at 12,300 feet, connects Anantnag with Kishtwar in Chenab Valley, while Margan Top at 14,000 feet links the twin valleys of Marwa and Warwan to Anantnag.

Mughal Road connects Pir Panchal districts of Rajouri and Poonch with Shopian.

These roads remain snowbound and closed for six months during winter.

La Nina may lead to harsher winters, increased precipitation

The Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted the impact of the La Nina phenomenon, characterised by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, which alters wind patterns and leads to harsher winters with increased precipitation.

Kashmir is bracing for an extended winter, with harsh conditions expected during the upcoming Chillai Kalan, the 40-day coldest period starting December 21.

The La Nina effect is likely to intensify the cold and precipitation during this time.

MeT predicts further drop in temperatures

The MeT has forecast a further drop in temperatures over the next few days, with severe cold wave conditions expected to persist in both Kashmir and Ladakh.

The department has forecast generally dry weather till December 11.

Snowfall is expected in the upper reaches between December 12 and 13, followed by another dry spell from December 13 to December 18, potentially leading to further temperature drops.

While the higher reaches of Kashmir witnessed snowfall on Sunday night, the plains have remained dry.

Doctors suggest limiting outdoor activity

This ongoing dry spell has led to a rise in ailments like cough and common cold.

Meanwhile, doctors have urged residents, especially children and the elderly, to take precautions and limit outdoor activities.

Arctic chill descends on Ladakh

Ladakh, which is generally colder than Kashmir, saw even more extreme temperatures.

Leh recorded minus 13.2 degrees Celsius, Kargil saw minus 12.4 degrees Celsius, and Drass, known for being one of the coldest places in India, reported a bone-chilling minus 16.8 degrees Celsius.

Zojila, a high-altitude pass, marked the coldest temperature in the country, with the mercury dipping to minus 21 degrees Celsius.