Kashmir under frosty spell

Srinagar, Dec 24: Kashmir continued to reel under a severe cold wave on Tuesday, with fresh snowfall recorded in the higher reaches of the Valley, including Sonamarg tourist resort.

The fresh snowfall in the higher reaches started late Monday night while in the plains the bone-chilling cold intensified, causing temperatures to plummet further below freezing.

According to officials, the cold wave persisted across Kashmir with the mercury dipping several degrees below normal.

The frosty conditions led to water supply lines freezing, and a thin layer of ice formed over many water bodies, including Dal Lake.

The maximum temperature in Srinagar remained well below normal on Monday, settling at just 2.8 degrees Celsius, more than six degrees lower than usual for this time of year.

The situation worsened as the city recorded a low of minus 6.6 degrees Celsius on Monday night, down by 3 degrees from the previous night.

Other parts of Kashmir also saw a sharp dip in temperatures.

Pahalgam health resort recorded a minimum temperature of minus 7.8 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg skiing destination registered minus 7.4 degrees Celsius.

Konibal, a village in the Pampore area, recorded minus 8.5 degrees Celsius.

In south Kashmir, Shopian experienced the coldest night of the season so far, with temperatures plunging to minus 8.8 degrees Celsius while Anantnag and Pulwama both recorded minus 8.3 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted that the cold spell will persist, with temperatures expected to dip by another 2 to 3 degrees over the next few days, lasting until December 26.

A brief spell of light snowfall is expected over the higher reaches of Kashmir around the afternoon of December 27, continuing into the morning of December 28.

While the valley is currently in the midst of Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period, the prolonged dry conditions have also contributed to a rise in respiratory infections.

The Meteorological Department has issued an advisory for tourists and travellers, urging them to follow safety guidelines due to the sub-freezing conditions on higher-altitude roads and the ongoing icy weather.

“In view of the prevailing cold conditions and icy conditions on roads in higher reaches, tourists and travellers are advised to follow the latest advisories issued by the administration,” the MeT Department said.

With Chillai Kalan set to last until January 29, the region is expected to experience frequent snowfall and extremely low temperatures.

After the 40 days of Chillai Kalan, Kashmir will enter the 20-day Chillai-Khurd (small cold), followed by the final 10-day phase of Chillai Bachha (baby cold).