The unrelenting winter grip tightens over Jammu and Kashmir, with bone-chilling cold dominating the landscape. Contrary to expectations, Kashmir’s flat terrains have dodged snowfall, leaving residents to endure dry, piercing cold. Upper hills, however, celebrate fresh white carpets, contrasting sharply with the frost-covered valleys below.
Weather data reveals stark figures: Srinagar’s mercury dipped to minus 4.1 degrees Celsius overnight, Anantnag to minus 7.2, and Kupwara to minus 4.8. Jammu city managed a relatively milder 4.5 degrees, but high passes like Razdan endured minus 6 degrees with intermittent flurries. The absence of snow in plains means no natural insulation, amplifying the cold’s ferocity.
Life in the Valley grinds slower under this assault. Schools remain shut, markets half-empty, and traditional kangri fire-pots light up homes. Frozen taps and erratic electricity add to woes, prompting the administration to distribute heaters and blankets in vulnerable areas. Traffic on key routes is regulated, with snow chains mandatory for uphill journeys.
Meteorologists foresee no immediate thaw, warning of denser fog and sub-zero nights ahead. A weak Western Disturbance might sprinkle snow over plains by mid-week, but dry cold persists dominantly. This scenario raises concerns for apple orchards and saffron fields, vital to the local economy.
As J&K shivers through one of its coldest winters in recent years, communities draw on age-old coping mechanisms. From pheran robes to community kitchens, solidarity shines. Yet, the lack of snow signals deeper environmental shifts, urging a rethink on sustainable practices amid changing climates.