Residents of Kashmir are bundling up once again as a harsh cold wave has tightened its grip on the region, sending temperatures plunging below the freezing point. This comes after a very brief period of slightly milder weather, which now feels like a distant memory.
Mercury Takes a Nosedive Across the Valley
The meteorological department has reported a significant drop in night temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir. The summer capital, Srinagar, recorded a low of -0.5°C on Tuesday night, a sharp decline from the previous night's reading. The famous tourist destination of Pahalgam in south Kashmir was even colder, registering a minimum temperature of -4.2°C.
Other parts of the valley experienced similarly frigid conditions. The mercury settled at -2.0°C in Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, while Kokernag recorded -1.0°C. In north Kashmir, Kupwara town saw the temperature drop to -1.8°C. The cold was particularly intense in the Ladakh region, where Leh braved a bone-chilling -10.2°C, and Kargil recorded -8.2°C.
A Brief Respite Comes to an End
This fresh spell of intense cold follows a short-lived relief that lasted only a day or two. Earlier in the week, a slight increase in minimum temperatures had been observed, raising hopes of a gradual warming trend. However, clear skies and calm winds have allowed the cold to intensify rapidly, bringing back freezing conditions.
The drop in temperature has immediate and tangible effects on daily life. Water bodies in several areas have started developing a thin layer of ice during the night. Locals, especially those in higher reaches and remote areas, are relying heavily on traditional methods like kangris (fire pots) and hamams (heated rooms) to keep warm.
Forecast and Broader Weather Pattern
According to the weather office, the current dry and cold spell is likely to continue over the next few days. The forecast predicts mainly clear skies with no immediate sign of rain or snow. This pattern suggests that minimum temperatures may remain at or below the freezing point, especially in the nights and early mornings.
While the plains of Jammu experienced relatively milder weather, with the city recording a minimum of 7.4°C, the focus remains on the valley's intense chill. The return of sub-zero temperatures so swiftly after a brief warm-up highlights the volatile and severe nature of winter in the Himalayan region. Authorities and citizens are advised to take necessary precautions against the cold wave to prevent health issues related to the extreme weather.
