Srinagar Reels under Intensified Cold and Reduced Visibility
Srinagar, Nov 23: The summer capital Srinagar is experiencing a severe intensification of winter conditions, the temperatures plummeting to an abnormal low and a layer of smog making visibility an issue, even during the day.
Over the past week, Srinagar has been recording nighttime temperatures below freezing, exacerbating the early winter chill. On November 22, the minimum temperature recorded was around minus 2.8 °C, following the pattern of sub-zero readings in surrounding areas.
The daytime highs have not succeeded in going beyond exceed 13-16°C. There have been clear to partly cloudy skies, making the cooling rapid after sunset. This trend aligns with overall temperature dips across J&K. Dry weather, according to Metrology Department, has led to unusually low minimums. With temperatures hovering near 2-4°C in the early morning, the visibility has been at approximately 10km under normal circumstances. However, in real situations, haze fills the air all through the day and nights are particularly foggy in Srinagar.
Meteorological Department (MeT) forecasts show the dry spell is set to persist. There is no significant precipitation expected in the near term. "The weather is expected to remain predominantly dry, leading to further dips in temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir," said Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of MeT. He also said that no major changes are anticipated until at least December 3.
The shallow fog is likely to continue in low-lying areas during early mornings. The persistent smog blanket that has settled over Srinagar, driven by temperature inversions and stagnant air masses has been a constant source of inconvenience to commuters. Meteorological experts note that the combination of dry weather and cold fronts from western disturbances is amplifying the chill, while the absence of rain or snow allows the smog to linger. The forecasts predict minimum temperatures from -2°C to 0°C in the coming days. There is a possibility of minor cloud cover development.
Dal Lake has been especially covered with a thick layer of smog, turning the lake into a surreal water body. However, for residents, the smog has been interfering with daily activities.
