A severe cold wave has tightened its grip over Jammu and Kashmir, bringing bone-chilling temperatures across the region. The picturesque valley has transformed into a frosty landscape, with meteorological data confirming a significant and widespread drop in mercury levels.
Record Low Temperatures Grip the Valley
The town of Shopian emerged as the coldest recorded place in the region on Wednesday night. The mercury here plunged to a biting minus 8.6 degrees Celsius, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing cold spell. This was not an isolated incident, as most weather stations reported temperatures several degrees below the freezing point.
The summer capital, Srinagar, also experienced intense cold. The city recorded a low of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius, a stark reminder of the harsh winter conditions. Other areas reported similarly frigid readings. The famous ski-resort of Gulmarg registered a temperature of minus 5.0 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam recorded minus 5.8 degrees Celsius. In the Jammu division, the city of Katra saw a low of 4.4 degrees Celsius, and Batote recorded 2.4 degrees Celsius.
Dry Weather and Frosty Mornings Ahead
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has provided a forecast that offers little respite from the cold in the immediate future. According to their latest update, the weather is expected to remain mainly dry across Jammu and Kashmir over the next several days. The absence of cloud cover often leads to increased radiation cooling at night, which can result in even lower minimum temperatures.
This persistent dry and cold spell is leading to widespread ground frost during the early morning hours. Such conditions have a tangible impact on daily life, affecting everything from transportation to agriculture. Residents are relying heavily on traditional and modern heating methods to cope with the freezing conditions.
Impacts and Precautions During the Chill
The intense cold wave disrupts normal routines and poses health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children. Authorities typically advise citizens to take necessary precautions, including wearing layered woolen clothing, ensuring proper indoor heating, and checking on neighbors who may need assistance.
The freezing temperatures also affect horticulture and agriculture in the region, with farmers taking measures to protect their crops from frost damage. While the cold weather is a typical feature of Kashmir's winters, the current wave's intensity, marked by the sub-minus eight-degree reading in Shopian, underscores a period of particularly severe conditions. The MET department's forecast suggests that residents should prepare for continued cold and dry weather, with frosty mornings becoming a regular occurrence.
