Srinagar freezes at -4.6°C as cold wave intensifies in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 22: Kashmir experienced an intense cold wave on Sunday as temperatures across the region plummeted. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 4.6°C, while Anantnag dropped to a chilling -10.5°C. The meteorological department has forecast a slight rise in minimum temperatures by 1-2°C over the next two days, followed by a potential drop of 2-3°C until December 26. The cold wave is expected to continue in isolated areas.
According to MeT data, Shopian recorded a temperature of -10.4°C, Pulwama -10.3°C, Larnoo -9.3°C, Khudwani -9.0°C, and Sonamarg -8.8°C. The popular tourist destination of Pahalgam recorded a minimum of -8.6°C, while Budgam and Qazigund saw temperatures of -8.3°C and -8.2°C, respectively. The freezing conditions have led to the freezing of water bodies, disrupted water supply lines, and increased daily struggles for residents.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, told Rising Kashmir that several areas in Kashmir and Ladakh have been experiencing sub-zero temperatures for the past two weeks. “In the coming days, temperatures are likely to decrease further. Foggy conditions may disrupt vehicular and air traffic, particularly during the morning and evening hours,” he said.
The MeT director added that dry conditions are expected to persist from December 23 to 26, with a possibility of light snowfall over higher reaches on December 27 and 28. Dense fog continued to blanket many parts of Kashmir on Sunday, including the city, leading to vehicles driving with headlights on during the early morning and evening hours.
Kashmir officially began experiencing the bone-chilling onset of Chillai-Kalan on Saturday. This 40-day winter period, beginning on December 21, is the harshest of the three phases of winter in Kashmir. It is followed by Chillai-Khurd (a milder 20-day cold phase from January 31 to February 19) and Chillai-Bachha (a relatively lighter 10-day cold period from February 20 to March 2).
This year, the absence of significant snowfall, combined with dry, icy winds, has heightened the hardships faced by locals, with frozen water tanks and pipes and erratic electricity supply.
The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir issued a safety advisory on Saturday to help motorists and bikers navigate the freezing temperatures. The advisory urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in the early mornings and late nights when it is coldest. Travelers were also advised to check weather and traffic updates and allow extra time for travel to avoid rushing on icy roads.
For safe driving and riding, the advisory stressed driving slowly, keeping a safe distance, and avoiding sudden movements while braking, steering, or accelerating to prevent skidding. Using low-beam headlights in foggy conditions and avoiding overtaking on icy or foggy roads, it said.
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.
The traffic police spokesman said that 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) TCU Jammu and Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban for road condition.
On Srinagar-Kargil road, only one way traffic for LMVs followed by HMVs (upto 06 tyres) with Anti-skid chains from Srinagar towards Kargil shall be allowed on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road.
“These vehicles shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar between 1000 hrs. and 1500 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing. Motorists are advised to carry anti-skid chain to gain more grip on the slippery road,” he said.
The spokesman said that vehicular movement on Mughal road shall be allowed only for LMVs from both sides viz. from Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa.
“These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) at 1100 hrs. upto 1500 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after the cut of timing,” he added.