Cold wave intensifies

Srinagar, Dec 31: The cold wave has tightened its grip over Kashmir with temperatures plummeting across the Valley on Tuesday.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast light to moderate snowfall in the Valley over the coming week, potentially disrupting daily life.

Gulmarg, the skiing destination in north Kashmir, recorded a bone-chilling low of minus 11.5 degrees Celsius, a further drop of 1.5 degrees compared to the previous night.

Pahalgam in south Kashmir, experienced slightly improved conditions with a minimum temperature of minus 8.4 degrees Celsius, up from minus 9.2 degrees recorded the night before.

Srinagar saw the mercury dip to minus 3.5 degrees Celsius on Monday night, marking a significant drop of over two degrees from the previous night.

Qazigund, known as the gateway town to Kashmir, and Konibal in Pampore both registered severe lows of minus 7.5 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of 0.1 degree Celsius, making it the only place in the Valley where temperatures stayed above the freezing point.

In south Kashmir, Kokernag logged a low of minus 5.6 degrees Celsius.

The MeT predicted a fresh spell of light snowfall on New Year’s Day, with another bout of moderate snowfall expected later in the week.

“A feeble Western Disturbance is likely to hit Kashmir on January 1 and 2, leading to light snowfall at scattered places. A stronger Western Disturbance is expected between January 3 and 6, with snowfall likely at most places and peak activity predicted from January 4 to 6,” a MeT official said.

Heavy snowfall is anticipated in higher reaches during the second spell, potentially disrupting road and air connectivity across the region.

The Valley is currently in the midst of ‘Chillai Kalan,’ the harshest 40-day period of winter that began on December 21.

Meanwhile, despite the harsh weather, Gulmarg continues to attract a steady flow of tourists, particularly for its world-class skiing facilities.

The predicted snowfall is expected to boost winter tourism but could pose challenges for locals in terms of transport and access to essential services.