Srinagar, Dec 07: The grip of cold weather in Kashmir tightened further as Srinagar recorded the coldest night of the season, plunging to a bone-chilling minus 2.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday (Dec 07).
The MeT forecast indicates that the cold wave is set to persist, with night temperatures expected to further decline and foggy conditions prevailing until December 11.
Director MeT, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that several places in Kashmir and Ladakh have been experiencing sub-zero temperatures for several days.
“In the coming days, temperatures are expected to decrease further. Foggy weather conditions may impact vehicular and air traffic in the morning and evening hours,” he said.
Dr. Mukhtar said that there is the possibility of rain and snow at scattered places from December 11 in the upper reaches of the valley.
Over the past two weeks, Kashmir has endured a prolonged spell of sub-zero temperatures, with various areas in the Valley reporting minimum temperatures ranging between minus 1 to minus 2 degrees Celsius, intensifying the already frigid conditions.
The 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.
According to the MeT data, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 13.0 °C and a minimum of -2.6°C. The ski resort Gulmarg recorded a maximum temperature of 6.8 °C and a minimum of minus 2.5°C, while the health resort Pahalgam recorded 11.2 °C as the maximum and a minimum of minus 4.9 °C.
In north Kashmir’s Kupwara, maximum temperatures settled at 13 °C, with minimum temperatures at minus -3.3°C.
Similarly, Qazigund recorded minimum temperature at -2.2°C, Kokarnag -1.4°C, Shopian -5.4°C, Anantnag -3.7°C,Kulgam -1.5°, Pulwama= -3.9°C,Baramulla-1.6°C, Budgam -2.9°C and Bandipora -3.8°C
Javid Anjum, Director of Srinagar International Airport told Rising Kashmir that there were no delays or cancellations for any flights.
“All inbound and outbound flights proceeded as scheduled, and there were no disruptions or cancellations. There have been no issues reported regarding the landing and take-off of flights at the airport,” he said.
Meanwhile, traffic movement on the Srinagar-Jammu highway was normal,
Subject to dry weather, traffic on Sgr Jammu highway will ply from both sides on Friday. 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.
