Kashmir’s coldest winter in years - Greater Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 22: The cold wave continued to grip Kashmir, with temperatures remaining well below freezing across Kashmir amid an intense electricity crisis.

The 40-day harsh winter period, Chillai Kalan, began on Saturday with an intense cold wave across Kashmir.

Srinagar experienced its coldest December night in over three decades, with a temperature of minus 8.5 degrees Celsius on Friday.

A slight respite was observed on Sunday, as the minimum temperature in Srinagar rose to minus 4.6 degrees Celsius.

The south Kashmir district of Shopian registered the lowest temperature in Kashmir at minus 8.1 degrees Celsius, closely followed by other areas experiencing extreme cold.

Despite the marginal rise in minimum temperatures, the Meteorological Department predicted further fluctuations, with a slight increase of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius over the next two days, and a subsequent dip of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius expected by December 26.

On Sunday minimum temperatures across Kashmir were Srinagar at minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, Qazigund at minus 5.2 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam at minus 4.9 degrees Celsius, Kupwara at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, Kokernag at minus 3.7 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg at minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, Sonamarg at minus 7 degrees Celsius, Bandipora at minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, Baramulla at Minus 3.6 degrees Celsius, Budgam at minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, Anantnag at minus 6.6 degrees Celsius, and Kulgam at minus 5.8 degrees Celsius.

In the Jammu region, the minimum temperature in Jammu city stood at 6.5 degrees Celsius.

Other recorded temperatures included Banihal at minus 1.3 degrees Celsius, Batote at 3 degrees Celsius, Katra at 7.2 degrees Celsius, Bhaderwah at 0.8 degrees Celsius, Kishtwar at 4 degrees Celsius, Ramban at 8.1 degrees Celsius, Poonch at 3.7 degrees Celsius, Rajouri at 3 degrees Celsius, Samba at 2.5 degrees Celsius, Kathua at 7.1 degrees Celsius, Reasi at 4.1 degrees Celsius and Udhampur at 3.1 degrees Celsius.

In Ladakh, temperatures remained harsh with Leh recording minus 7.4 degrees Celsius and Kargil plunging to minus 8.8 degrees Celsius.

Kashmir is currently in the grip of Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harsh winter period that began on December 21.

This phase is known for freezing temperatures and snowfall.

It is followed by 20-day Chillai Khurd and 10-day Chillai-Bachha.

The intervening night of Friday and Saturday saw Srinagar register its coldest December night since 1974, while temperatures in Anantnag, Shopian, and Pulwama fell below minus 10 degrees Celsius.

The dry and biting cold, compounded by frozen water pipes and erratic electricity, has made life increasingly difficult.

The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Qazi Irfan, issued an advisory for motorists and bikers to ensure safety on icy roads.

Key recommendations include avoiding unnecessary travel, especially during mornings and late nights, allowing extra travel time and driving slowly to avoid skidding, winter or all-season tyres and ensuring sufficient anti-freeze in vehicles, keeping fuel tanks at least half full to prevent freezing and carrying an emergency kit, including blankets, first-aid supplies, and a flashlight.

Motorists have also been advised to maintain a safe distance between vehicles, avoid sudden braking or steering, and use low-beam headlights in foggy conditions.

Bikers have been encouraged to wear thermal gear and anti-fog visors.

The Meteorological Department has forecast dry weather until December 30, with slight relief expected between December 27 and 28 due to cloudy conditions.

Light rain is predicted over the plains of Jammu and light snowfall over the higher reaches of the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal Range.