Kashmir’s cold wave intensifies

Srinagar, Dec 25: An intense cold wave tightened its grip further with Srinagar recording minus 7.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, down from minus 6.6 degrees Celsius the previous evening.

The sharp drop in temperatures caused water bodies across Kashmir to freeze, with a thin layer of ice forming on lakes and rivers, marking the peak of the harsh winter season.

South Kashmir saw some of the coldest temperatures with Pulwama and Shopian districts registering minus 9.3 degrees Celsius while Qazigund recorded minus 6.6 degrees Celsius.

Other areas in the south like Anantnag, Khudwani, Kulgam, and Larnoo also experienced sub-zero temperatures, ranging from minus 6.3 degrees Celsius to minus 9.1 degrees Celsius.

In north Kashmir, Kupwara recorded minus 6.4 degrees Celsius while Sonamarg and Bandipora reported minus 7.5 degrees Celsius and minus 7.2 degrees Celsius.

Central Kashmir also saw a significant drop in temperatures, with Budgam recording minus 7.8 degrees Celsius and Ganderbal minus 6.9 degrees Celsius.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a relatively milder 7.1 degrees Celsius while higher altitude areas like Padder saw temperatures plummet to minus 9.5 degrees Celsius.

The Zojila Pass, which connects Kashmir to Ladakh, remains the coldest location in the region, with temperatures plunging well below freezing.

In Ladakh, Leh recorded a chilling minus 12.2 degrees Celsius while Kargil saw temperatures dip to minus 12 degrees Celsius.

The ongoing cold wave has had significant impacts on daily life in Kashmir.

Water supply lines have frozen and a layer of frost has covered several water bodies, including the Dal Lake.

Kashmir is currently in the grip of Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period, which began on December 21.

During this time, both maximum and minimum temperatures are typically well below normal and snowfall is most frequent.

While Chillai Kalan lasts until January 29, the cold wave is expected to continue well beyond that.

Following Chillai Kalan, Kashmir will enter Chillai Khurd (small cold) for 20 days, and then the final phase, Chillai Bachha (baby cold), lasting 10 days.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast a further dip in minimum temperatures over the next two days, with a possibility of light snowfall over higher reaches on December 27.

Snowfall is expected to continue intermittently in isolated areas, especially in the higher altitudes, until January 4.

However, the weather is expected to remain dry between December 29 and 31, with light snowfall likely on New Year’s Eve.

Authorities have urged residents and tourists to take precautions against the extreme cold, as the freezing temperatures continue to affect everyday life across Kashmir.

Despite harsh conditions, Kashmir’s winter tourism sector, particularly in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg remains a major draw for visitors seeking to experience the winter wonderland of Kashmir.