Srinagar, Dec 25: Amidst the intensifying cold wave, Srinagar recorded the second coldest night of the season, with temperatures plunging to minus 7.3 degrees Celsius. Pulwama and Shopian districts faced even harsher conditions, with temperatures dropping to minus 9.3 degrees Celsius.
The sharp drop in temperature led to the formation of a thin layer of ice on water bodies across the Kashmir Valley, including Dal and Nigeen lakes. Residents and visitors alike felt the chill as the region braced for continued cold weather.
According to MeT records, Srinagar had recorded minus 8.5°C on December 21, the lowest December temperature since 2000. The previous significant drop was in 2018, when temperatures touched minus 7.7°C. The all-time coldest December temperature in Srinagar was recorded at minus 12.8°C on December 13, 1934.
Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that the region is expected to see some relief from the prevailing cold weather conditions starting December 26. However, cold wave conditions are expected to persist in isolated areas over the next two days. Dr. Ahmad added, “From December 26 to 27, the weather will remain generally cloudy, with light rain over Jammu plains and light snow over the higher reaches of Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal Range.”
From December 29 to 31, dry weather will prevail, with cloud cover expected on December 31. Dr. Ahmad also mentioned that light snowfall is anticipated at isolated locations from January 1 to 2, 2025.
In the meantime, temperatures in other areas of Kashmir included Qazigund at minus 6.6°C, Kokernag at minus 5.4°C, Pulwama at minus 9.1°C, Anantnag at minus 9°C, Khudwani at minus 7.7°C, Kulgam at minus 6.3°C, Shopian at minus 9.1°C, and Larnoo at minus 8.6°C. In the northern region, Kupwara recorded minus 6.4°C, Sonamarg minus 7.5°C, Bandipora minus 7.2°C, and Baramulla minus 6.1°C. Central Kashmir’s Budgam recorded minus 7.8°C, and Ganderbal recorded minus 6.9°C.
Jammu region recorded a minimum temperature of 7.1°C, while Banihal recorded minus 1.3°C, Batote 0.7°C, Katra 6.7°C, Kishtwar 0.5°C, Poonch 2.9°C, Rajouri 2.2°C, Samba 6.3°C, Kathua 6.7°C, Reasi 3.9°C, and Udhampur recorded a minimum of 2.3°C.
Meanwhile, traffic along the 270-kilometer Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained normal, with vehicles allowed to move in both directions. However, slow movement was reported due to the breakdown of heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) and single-lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad, and between Marog and Kishtwar Pather.
On Srinagar-Jammu highway, 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.
On Kishtwar- Sinthan- Anantnag NH-244, the 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 1100 hrs to 1400 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing,” the spokesman said.
On Srinagar-Kargil highway only one way traffic for LMVs followed by HMVs (upto 06 tyres) with Anti-skid chains from Kargil towards Srinagar shall be allowed on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari 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.”
On Mughal road, 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 cut of timing, the spokesman added.
