Kashmir is experiencing a deep chill as temperatures continue to dip across the region. The southern hill resort of Pahalgam recorded the lowest night temperature of the season, reaching -5°C on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, dropping slightly from the previous -4.8°C. Cold and dry weather conditions persisted throughout the region, with temperatures further falling in several areas.
The meteorological center in Srinagar has issued warnings for the continuation of cold weather, predicting that conditions will remain dry and chilly until December 20. According to a recent update from the Meteorological Department (MeT), cold waves are expected to continue at isolated and scattered locations, impacting various regions across the valley.
In addition to Pahalgam, temperatures in other southern areas like Kokernag fell to -3.9°C from the previous night’s -2.8°C. The northern areas of Gulmarg and Kupwara also recorded freezing lows, with temperatures dropping to -4°C and -4.2°C, respectively. Srinagar and Qazigund saw temperatures holding steady at -3.4°C and -4°C, respectively, maintaining a bone-chilling cold.
The MeT also issued a forecast predicting that cold and dry conditions will prevail until December 20, after which the region will enter the harsh 40-day winter phase known as Chilai Kalan. The weather report further stated that light snow and generally cloudy weather are expected to hit higher reaches towards the evening of December 21, with conditions improving by the morning of December 22. This shift will bring some respite from the extreme cold but is unlikely to end the chilling conditions entirely.
Meteorological experts have advised tourists, travelers, and transporters to remain cautious, particularly due to icy conditions on roads and passes caused by earlier snowfall and sub-freezing temperatures. Authorities have also urged the public to follow traffic advisories to avoid any accidents in the treacherous conditions.
This winter is expected to be a harsh one, with temperatures dropping significantly and precipitation likely to be at or above normal due to the La Niña weather phenomenon, which is expected to influence the region’s weather patterns.
With the ongoing cold wave, the region braces for more severe winter conditions as Kashmir enters its traditional coldest phase, marked by freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall.
Sources By Agencies