A severe cold wave tightened its grip on Jammu and Kashmir, with the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg recording a frigid minimum temperature of minus 8.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night. This intense chill has enveloped the entire Kashmir Valley, bringing life to a near standstill in many areas.
Valley-Wide Deep Freeze
The meteorological data reveals a widespread dip in temperatures across the region. The summer capital, Srinagar, shivered at minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, a significant drop that has residents bundling up. The cold was not confined to these locations alone. The mercury plunged to minus 5.6 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam and settled at a freezing minus 2.8 degrees Celsius in Qazigund. Kupwara town in the north also experienced severe cold at minus 2.4 degrees Celsius.
Weather Forecast and Advisory
According to the local meteorological department, the prevailing cold and dry conditions are expected to continue over the next few days. The forecast indicates generally cloudy skies with the possibility of very light snow or rain at isolated higher reaches. However, no major widespread precipitation is anticipated immediately. The weather officials have advised residents to take necessary precautions against the biting cold, especially during the early morning and night hours.
The current cold wave is attributed to clear skies and calm winds, which allow heat to escape rapidly from the earth's surface after sunset. This phenomenon is common in the valley during the core winter months of December and January, often referred to locally as 'Chillai-Kalan'.
Impact on Daily Life
The sub-zero temperatures have a profound impact on daily routines. Water supply lines in several areas have frozen, causing disruptions and inconvenience to households. Morning activities start much later as people wait for the sun to lessen the chill. Vendors and shopkeepers in open markets face a tough time, and traffic movement is thinner during the early hours.
While the cold is harsh for residents, it brings a silver lining for the tourism and hospitality sector in Gulmarg. The persistent sub-zero temperatures are ideal for the maintenance and development of snow cover, which is crucial for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Tour operators are hopeful that the conditions will attract more tourists seeking a proper winter experience.
The meteorological department continues to monitor the situation closely and will update forecasts as needed. Residents are relying on traditional methods like kangris (fire pots) and modern heating systems to brave the intense cold spell gripping the region.
