Srinagar, Nov 28: The grip of cold weather in Kashmir tightened further as Srinagar recorded the coldest night of the season, plunging to a bone-chilling minus 2.1 degrees Celsius on Thursday (Nov 28).
The MeT forecast indicates that the cold wave is set to persist, with night temperatures expected to further decline and foggy conditions prevailing until November 30.
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 November 30 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 2 to minus 5 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 14.30 °C and a minimum of -2.1°C. The ski resort Gulmarg recorded a maximum temperature of 12.5 °C and a minimum of minus 5.1°C, while the health resort Pahalgam recorded 12.5 °C as the maximum and a minimum of minus 5.0 °C.
In north Kashmir’s Kupwara, maximum temperatures settled at 15.6 °C, with minimum temperatures at minus -2.3°C.
Similarly, Qazigund recorded minimum temperature at -3.0°C, Kokernag -0.2°C, Shopian -5.4°C, Anantnag -3.7°C,Kulgam -1.5°, Pulwama -2.9°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,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the past 24 hours, there was slow movement observed on NH-44 due to breakdown of 05 HMVs, single lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad and between Marog & Kishtwari Pather.
On Srinagar-Jammu highway, subject to fair weather and better road conditions LMVs Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs shall be allowed from both sides and the department shall liaise with TCU Ramban for road condition.
Meanwhile vehicular movement (only LMVs) on Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road shall be allowed from both sides viz from Anantnag towards Kishtwar and vice versa. These vehicles shall be allowed from Daksum and Chingam (Chatroo) between 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing.
On Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road, LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar at 0800 hrs. to 1130 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. 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) don’t get disturbed.
On Mughal road, LMVs followed by HMVs upto 10 tyre) on Mughal road 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.
