Cold wave conditions have intensified across the Kashmir Valley plains after fresh snowfall over the higher reaches triggered a sharp drop in temperatures on Saturday night, officials said. Minimum temperatures at most weather stations plummeted below the freezing point, the Meteorological (MeT) office reported.
“Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.7 degrees Celsius on Saturday night, while Srinagar International Airport settled at minus 5.4 degrees Celsius,” it said.
The severe cold has led to the freezing of several water bodies in the Valley, with night temperatures falling several degrees below normal. Dry and cold weather in the plains has caused a surge in seasonal illnesses, particularly among young children and the elderly. Health officials have advised residents to avoid going outdoors during early morning hours, warning that the intense cold breeze could trigger chest and respiratory problems.
According to the MeT, cold wave conditions prevail at most weather stations across the north, south, and central regions of the Kashmir Valley.
In contrast, minimum temperatures in the Jammu region remained above normal at most stations, including Jammu city, Katra, Reasi, Udhampur, and the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Katra was the warmest place in Jammu at 6.6 degrees Celsius, while Sonamarg emerged as the coldest spot overall with minus 8.9 degrees Celsius.
The Kashmir Valley is currently in the midst of Chillai-Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period, typically marked by heavy snowfall. However, a deficit in rainfall and snowfall in the plains has raised concerns among the farming community.
Fresh snowfall was reported on Friday across higher reaches, including popular tourist destinations such as Gurez, Drass, Zojila, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Doodpathri, where most areas received light to moderate snow.
Follow us
