Valley in Veil: Kashmir wakes to dense fog, freezing temperatures

Srinagar, Dec 1: A dense fog blanketed parts of Kashmir on Sunday morning, reducing visibility significantly as temperatures across the Valley dipped below freezing following fresh snowfall on Saturday.

“The visibility in Srinagar and some other areas of the Valley dropped below 50 meters at daybreak due to heavy fog,” the Meteorological Department (MeT) officials here said.

The fog caused difficulties for motorists navigating through major roads and highways.

Authorities issued advisories urging drivers to use fog lights and exercise caution.

Despite the poor visibility, flight operations at the Srinagar International Airport remained unaffected. “There were no disruptions in the flight schedule,” Airports Authority of India officials here said.

The snowfall caused a sharp drop in temperatures overnight, with the Srinagar Airport Force station, situated at a higher altitude, recording the lowest temperature in the Valley at minus 3.6 degrees Celsius.

According to a MeT official, Srinagar city registered a minimum temperature of minus 1.3 degrees Celsius.

Tourist destinations also experienced freezing temperatures.

Gulmarg, known for its ski slopes, recorded minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir was relatively warmer at minus 0.3 degrees.

Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, recorded minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara in north Kashmir registered minus 0.5 degrees.

The MeT has forecast partly cloudy weather with chances of light rain or snow at isolated places in the higher reaches later in the day.

“From December 2, light rain or snow is expected at scattered locations in the upper reaches over two days,” the department said.

The weather is predicted to remain generally dry from December 4 to 7.

However, the possibility of light rain or snow in higher elevations has been forecast for December 8.