Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, shivered on Friday night as it recorded its coldest temperatures of the season so far, plunging to minus 1.2 degrees Celsius. This drop from the previous night’s minus 0.4 degrees highlights the harsh conditions biting the region as winter closes in. With temperatures dipping significantly below the seasonal average by 1.3 degrees, residents are bracing for even colder days as the region approaches the traditionally frigid period known as 'Chillai Kalan.'
During the same spell, neighbouring areas felt the chill too. Pahalgam, known for its picturesque surroundings, logged minus 2.3 degrees, making it the coldest recorded spot within the Kashmir Valley. Qazigund measured minus 1.4 degrees, and even the popular ski destination of Gulmarg saw temperatures fall to minus 0.6 degrees. Interestingly, Kokernag was the only area to escape freezing temperatures with its modest reading of 0.4 degrees.
The cold wave has significantly affected daily life, as the winter chill forces people to adapt. Street vendors selling warm clothing and blankets are thriving, with busy scenes of haggling as locals gear up for the freezing conditions. Residents often gather around small fires, attempting to not only fend off the cold but also to unfreeze water taps which are becoming increasingly troublesome as they experience freezing overnight.
Authorities note the cascading impacts on transport and mobility. The wintry cold has made driving conditions hazardous, with vehicles starting their mornings with windshields encrusted with frost. Commuters are finding their routine disrupted as they contend with slippery roads and icy conditions, making winter travel especially arduous.
The Meteorological Department has weighed in on the current state of affairs, indicating the cold wave's grip on the region is expected to tighten. Predictions suggest the potential for light rain or even light snow over higher reaches of the Valley, particularly as the weekend approaches.
Looking to the near future, forecasts reveal upcoming changes. While currently under the icy clutches of winter, nights could warm slightly over the weekend, bringing minor relief. Following this brief warm-up, another wave of colder weather is anticipated, likely dropping temperatures again by 1-2 degrees across several locations.
This seasonal plunge follows the traditional patterns observed every year as the region gears up for its formidable 40-day winter phase starting December 21—the 'Chillai Kalan.' This period is notorious for extreme cold where roads become treacherous, and locals often choose to remain indoors until the spring thaw improves conditions.
Despite the brutal drop in temperatures, the Jammu division has managed to escape this chill, enjoying milder conditions with Katra at 10.4 degrees and Jammu city recording 11.3 degrees, providing some respite from the bitter cold gripping the higher elevations.
Locals are preparing for their typical winter routines with recent stories swirling around the market, where hot meals and warming drinks become staples. Families bundle up and make the best of the biting cold, sharing stories over fires and appreciating the unique beauty of winter’s hold over the Valley.
This year’s early onset of winter temperatures continues to draw attention, as many locals reflect on their memories of winters past, where snow-laden trees and crisp air have long defined their experiences. It’s not uncommon for visitors to be captivated by the serene landscapes transformed by snow, highlighting Kashmir as a remarkable destination even during its harshest seasons.
Nevertheless, the cold persists, shaping life as locals, tourists, and officials alike navigate the challenges presented by these frigid temperatures. With preparations underway for the bitter weeks of Chillai Kalan, the resilience of the Kashmiri people remains evident as they embrace winter, enduring its trials with familiar warmth.
