Kashmir: The cold wave has gripped Kashmir more tightly as temperatures continue to plummet across the valley. The weather department has predicted fresh spells of light to moderate snowfall in the coming week, offering both a spectacle and challenges for residents and visitors.
In Gulmarg, the picturesque ski resort in north Kashmir, the mercury dropped to a biting -11.5 degrees Celsius on Monday night. This marked a further dip of 1.5 degrees compared to the previous night. Tourists flocking to this winter destination now find themselves amidst freezing winds and snow-covered slopes.
Down in Pahalgam, the base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, temperatures offered a slight respite, rising marginally to -8.4 degrees Celsius after registering -9.2 degrees the previous night. The cold remains harsh but has not deterred the region’s quiet beauty.
Srinagar, the heart of the valley, recorded a sharp drop as well. On Monday night, the temperature settled at -3.5 degrees Celsius, falling by more than two degrees compared to the night before. The city streets, now quieter under the winter spell, seem frozen in time.
Elsewhere in the valley, the cold continues its relentless hold. Qazigund and Konibal, a town in Pampore, both recorded bone-chilling lows of -7.5 degrees Celsius. In south Kashmir, Kokernag wasn’t spared either, with the mercury dipping to -5.6 degrees.
Kupwara in north Kashmir, however, stood apart, recording a minimum temperature of 0.1 degrees Celsius, making it the only location in the valley where the mercury managed to hover above freezing.
The Met office has forecast that the first day of the new year might bring light snowfall to scattered places, with a more significant Western Disturbance expected from January 3 to January 6. The second spell could result in moderate to heavy snowfall, with the peak likely between January 4 and 6. Heavy snow is expected in the higher reaches during this time.
Kashmir is currently in the midst of Chillai-Kalan, the harshest 40 days of winter that began on December 21. During this time, temperatures drop significantly, and snowfall becomes more frequent, turning the valley into a winter wonderland. However, it also marks a challenging time for the locals, as frozen water supplies and icy roads become part of daily life.
Chillai-Kalan will continue until January 30, but the cold wave won’t release its grip immediately. It will be followed by a 20-day period known as Chillai-Khurd, or small cold, and then a 10-day stretch called Chillai-Bachha, or baby cold.
As the valley braces for more snow and continues to endure the freezing cold, life slows down, giving way to the silent beauty of winter. With snow-covered mountains and icy winds sweeping through, Kashmir remains as breathtaking as it is unforgiving.
