The Kashmir Valley experienced an intensely cold start to the New Year, with temperatures dropping several degrees below freezing point in various areas on Monday.
The summer capital of Srinagar witnessed a minimum temperature of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius in the morning, contributing to a bone-chilling atmosphere, as reported by weather officials. The extreme cold is taking a toll on daily life and local infrastructure, posing challenges for residents in the region.
The freezing temperatures have rendered routine activities difficult for the residents. A local in Srinagar highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “The temperature in Jammu and Kashmir was minus 5.4 at night. Wherever we pour water, it freezes. People are coming in large numbers to enjoy the weather. Yesterday, there was a big celebration in front of Lal Chowk. We pray that if there is snowfall, the cold will subside a little because our children and elders have fallen ill.”
Dal Lake and other water bodies, typically popular for tourists and locals for rides, have frozen due to the prevailing cold wave. The formation of fog has further worsened visibility on the roads during the morning hours.
Despite the challenging conditions, tourists are finding solace in the unique weather experience. A tourist from Jaipur expressed enthusiasm, saying, “We reached here only last night. In the morning, we see that a thin layer of snow has accumulated. The way the weather is, we think we will enjoy it a lot.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast similar weather conditions for the Union Territory throughout the week, with the minimum temperature expected to fluctuate between minus 1 and 8 degrees Celsius. The persistent cold wave raises concerns about the well-being of residents, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness during this period of intense cold.
