Cold Wave Intensifies in Kashmir Valley as Temperatures Drop

Temperature Decline in Kashmir Valley

The Kashmir Valley has experienced a drop of one to two degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures, leading to an intensified cold wave across the region, as reported by officials on Sunday. They noted that the minimum temperature in Srinagar fell to 3.2 degrees Celsius below zero on Saturday night, which is 1.5 degrees lower than the previous night’s temperature.

Gulmarg, a renowned ski resort in northern Kashmir, has recorded the coldest temperatures in the valley. Officials indicated that for the second consecutive night, the minimum temperature in Gulmarg was noted at 6.5 degrees Celsius below zero.

In contrast, the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam in southern Kashmir has seen temperatures remain at five degrees Celsius below zero. The gateway to the valley, Qazigund, recorded a minimum temperature of four degrees Celsius below zero, while Kokernag experienced temperatures at 1.6 degrees Celsius below zero. Kupwara in northern Kashmir reported a minimum temperature of 2.5 degrees Celsius below zero.

Officials mentioned that the region is currently undergoing the 'Chilla-e-Kalan' phase, which is characterized by a 40-day period of severe cold, during which nighttime temperatures frequently drop several degrees below zero.

However, the current temperature readings appear to deviate from the usual patterns. Typically, this period sees a high likelihood of snowfall, yet there has been no snowfall in the valley's plains so far this season.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the possibility of light rain or snowfall in some higher altitude areas of north and central Kashmir on January 5 and 6.