Kashmir, 14-DEC : In the grip of an unrelenting cold wave, Kashmir is facing bone-chilling temperatures, with Srinagar experiencing its coldest night of the season, officials reported on Thursday. The mercury plummeted to a frigid minus 5.4 degrees Celsius in the summer capital, surpassing the previous night’s low of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius. This marks the lowest temperature recorded in Srinagar this winter.
Pahalgam, a crucial base for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, witnessed a minimum temperature of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the renowned resort town of Gulmarg in Baramulla district recorded a low of minus 5 degrees Celsius. Other areas across the valley experienced similarly freezing conditions, with Qazigund at minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, Kokernag at minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius.
The relentless cold wave has led to the freezing of numerous water bodies, while water supply pipes in various areas have become obstructed. The local meteorological office has indicated that the dry spell is expected to persist until December 15, with a forecast of mild precipitation over the upcoming weekend. As the region grapples with these harsh winter conditions, residents are urged to take precautions to mitigate the impact of the extreme cold.
