Kashmir is currently experiencing a severe cold wave, with temperatures plummeting several degrees below the freezing point. This intensified chill is attributed to a prolonged dry spell and clear night skies, which have exacerbated heat loss. Daily life across the valley has been significantly disrupted, prompting the government to declare early winter vacations for schools. Health authorities are also issuing crucial advice to residents to cope with the extreme weather.
The frigid conditions tightened their grip across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Wednesday night, as nearly all locations recorded sharp overnight temperature drops. In Kashmir, stations uniformly registered sub-zero readings. Srinagar recorded -4.4°C, with Shopian experiencing one of the coldest nights at -6.5°C. Other notable low temperatures included Pulwama and Baramulla at -5.8°C, Pampore at -5.5°C, and Anantnag at -5.7°C.
Srinagar Airport registered a chilly -5.2°C, while Pahalgam dipped to -5.0°C. Further afield, Budgam recorded -4.6°C, Bandipora -4.5°C, and Awantipora -4.0°C. Sonamarg also recorded -4.0°C, Ganderbal -3.3°C, Qazigund -4.0°C, and Kokernag -1.6°C. Gulmarg registered -1.0°C, and Kulgam -2.4°C.
In Ladakh, winter conditions remain harsh. Leh recorded -8.6°C, Kargil -9.5°C, and Nubra -7.7°C. The most extreme temperature was observed at Zojila Pass, which plunged to a severe -16.0°C.
Meanwhile, the Jammu region experienced temperatures above freezing in its plains, with Jammu city at 8.7°C and Katra at 8.5°C. However, upper reaches were considerably colder, with Banihal reporting -1.5°C and Bhaderwah at 0.4°C.
The persistent lack of precipitation, including snow and rain, has left the ground exposed, facilitating rapid heat loss and intensifying the cold. Reports indicate icicles forming on trees and ice accumulating on roads and water bodies, particularly in higher altitudes.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that these dry and cold conditions are likely to persist for the next week. A potential shift to generally cloudy weather is anticipated around December 2-3, with a possibility of rain and snow spells from December 6 to December 10, which might offer some respite. Kashmir is yet to enter its harshest winter period, ‘Chillai-Kalan’, which commences on December 21.