Srinagar, Dec 10: As Kashmir valley continues to reel under a grip of intense cold wave, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday night. The persistent drop in temperatures has led to the freezing of water bodies across the region, transforming the landscape into a frost-laden spectacle.
The Meteorological (MeT) forecasts that minimum temperatures are expected to further plummet, and foggy conditions are set to persist until December 16.
The minimum temperature continues its relentless dip below freezing point, with Konibal experiencing the coldest at minus 6.0 degrees Celsius.
In South Kashmir, Qazigund registered a minimum temperature of minus 3.0 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara in the north recorded a low of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam witnessed the mercury settling at minus 5.5 degrees Celsius, and in the famed Gulmarg, temperatures settled at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius.
Director MeT, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said that most areas in the valley have been under the sub-zero spell for several days.
He warned of a further decrease in temperatures in coming days, cautioning that foggy weather conditions could impact transportation on both roads and in the air during the morning and evening hours.
“From the 13th to the 16th of December, the weather will remain mostly cloudy. Overall, dry and cold weather will persist until the 16th of December,” he said.
Dr. Mukhtar further noted a projected fall in minimum temperatures by -3-4°C across the stations in the next two days, followed by a slight improvement leading up to the 16th of December.
As Kashmir grapples with an extended period of below-zero temperatures, various locations in the Valley have recorded minimum temperatures ranging from minus 4 to minus 5 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, traffic along the 270-kilometer Srinagar-Jammu highway was playing normally from both sides on Sunday.
Subject to dry weather on Monday, traffic on the Srinagar- Jammu highway will ply from both sides. The traffic police spokesman advised commuters to follow lane discipline.
On the Sonamarg-Leh road, vehicular movement shall be allowed from both sides, and special arrangements are in place for SFs Convoy to ensure minimal disturbance to civilian traffic.
On the Mughal Road, vehicular movement is allowed from both sides, with specified timings in place to regulate traffic.
