The Kashmir Valley is still experiencing extreme cold and thick fog; on Monday night, Srinagar recorded a low of minus three degrees Celsius. The severe winter weather continues to cause a great deal of suffering and difficulty, especially in the morning.
The freezing temperatures have disrupted normal life, making it challenging for residents and visitors alike. The fog has led to poor visibility on the roads, affecting daily activities. Tourists, like Saurabh Mitra from Kolkata, expressed their difficulties, stating that thick clouds of smoke filled the sky during sightseeing, limiting their movements.
Mitra shared, “Yesterday when we went out sightseeing, a thick cloud of smoke filled the sky everywhere. As soon as we climbed up the Shankar Achraya Temple (Srinagar), the visibility began to drop. We had planned a Shikara ride at Dal Lake, but its visibility was very low.” Despite the excitement of the visit, tourists are eagerly awaiting improved visibility to make the most of their time.
Locals, such as scooter rider Javed Ahmad, emphasized the hazards of navigating amid dense fog. He explained the need to use flashlights on his scooter to see the road and manage traffic with limited visibility, highlighting the challenges faced by commuters.
The Meteorological Centre Kashmir forecasts that dry weather, coupled with moderate to dense fog, will persist over Central Kashmir, Pulwama, and Baramulla until December 31. However, a shift is expected with light rain and snow in scattered places, accompanied by cloudy skies during January 1–2.
As the region enters the forty-day period known as ‘Chillai Kalan,’ characterized by intense and harsh winter lasting from December 21 to January 29, residents and authorities brace for continued weather challenges.