Srinagar, Dec 10: Kashmir Valley is currently enveloped in cold wave conditions, resulting in the formation of a fragile layer of ice on Dal Lake and other water bodies. The minimum temperatures in several parts of the valley have dropped below freezing point, with Srinagar settling at minus 5.4°C and recorded the coldest night of the season.
The cold wave has resulted in the freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal and Nigeen Lakes, and residential water supply pipes in many areas of the city and other towns of the Valley.
The Meteorological Department has forecast a continuation of the cold wave, with further drops in night temperatures and persistent foggy conditions until December 14.
Director Meteorological Department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that several areas in Kashmir and Ladakh have been experiencing sub-zero temperatures for an extended period. “In the coming days, temperatures are likely to decrease further. Foggy conditions may disrupt vehicular and air traffic, particularly during morning and evening hours,” he said.
Dr. Mukhtar said they are expecting the possibility of scattered rain and snowfall in the upper reaches of the Valley starting December 12. For the past four weeks, Kashmir has endured a relentless cold spell, with minimum temperatures in several areas plummeting to as low as minus 7 to minus 9 degrees Celsius, intensifying the chill, he added.
According to the MeT data, Srinagar recorded coldest night of the season and settled at minus 5.4 and maximum temperature at 9.5°C. The ski resort Gulmarg recorded a maximum temperature minus 0.8 °C and a minimum of minus 6.0°C. Health resort Pahalgam recorded 5.8 °C as the maximum and a minimum of minus 8.4 °C.
Sonamarg recorded the lowest temperature at -9.7°C, followed closely by Shopian at -8.5°C. Anantnag and Larnoo experienced bone-chilling lows of -7.9°C and -8.1°C, respectively. Qazigund and Budgam at -6.4°C, Srinagar at -5.4°C, and Pulwama at -8.3°C. Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Baramulla hovered around -5°C, while temperatures in Kulgam and Kupwara dipped to -5.9°C and -4.5°C.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a relatively milder 5.4°C, while Katra settled at 5.6°C and Ramban at 5.5°C. However, colder conditions prevailed in places like Banihal (-2.2°C), Bhaderwah (-3.4°C), and Samba (0.3°C). Udhampur and Poonch recorded minimums of 0.5°C and 1.6°C, respectively, while Rajouri dipped below freezing at -0.4°C. The coldest spot in Jammu was Padder at -7.7°C.
In Ladakh, temperatures plummeted to extreme lows, with Leh recording -13.2°C and Kargil not far behind at -12.4°C, highlighting the harsh winter conditions in the region.
Meanwhile dense fog continued to blanket many areas, compelling vehicles to operate with headlights on during morning and evening hours. The sub-zero temperatures have not only intensified the winter chill but have also led to the freezing of water bodies and a significant drop in daytime temperatures.
Experts said that prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in forest fires in the region, during the last few days many forests caught fire especially in Manzigam, Kagan Ganderbal, higher reaches of Kokarnaag and few others.
As per MeT data, Nov 2024 was driest months as Jammu and Kashmir only influenced 04 weak Western disturbances failing to bring any heavy rain or snow , All districts of Jammu and Kashmir received below normal precipitation deficient ranges between 50%-98%.
Few parts of higher reaches, especially higher reaches of north Kashmir can see light snow on Dec 12 additionally there is no forecast of snowfall in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, & Pahalgam (15-25% chances).
Meanwhile during the past 24 hours, there was slow movement observed on NH-44 due to breakdown of HMVs, single lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad and between Marog & Kishtwari Pather.
Subject to fair weather and better road conditions LMVs Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban for road condition.
On Srinagar-Kargil highway, subject to fair weather and good road condition, (after getting green signal from Road maintenance agencies) traffic movement shall be allowed on regulated manner on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road.
“LMVs followed by HMVs upto 06 tyres only shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar at 0900 hrs. to 1130 hrs. Similarly, LMVs followed by HMVs upto 06 tyres only shall be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil at 1300 hrs to 1530 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing. Motorists are advised to carry anti-skid chains to gain more grip on the slippery road,” it said.
The spokesman further said SFs Convoy, plying from Srinagar to Kargil and vice versa shall plan their movement in such a manner so that civil traffic (both UP and DOWN) doesn’t get disturbed.
On Mughal Road, subject to fair weather and good road condition, vehicular movement (LMVs followed by HMVs upto 10 tyre) shall be allowed from both sides viz. from Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa. These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) at 0700 hrs. upto 1700 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after the cut of timing.
