Srinagar, December 25: The biting cold tightened its grip on most parts of Kashmir for a second consecutive night, causing disruptions in daily life as dense fog enveloped the Valley early on Monday, officials reported.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.3 degrees Celsius, a slight dip from the previous night’s minus 2.1 degrees, officials stated. Pahalgam, situated in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district and a crucial base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, recorded a chilling minimum temperature of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, down from the previous night’s minus 3.9 degrees Celsius. Officials confirmed Pahalgam as the coldest place in the Kashmir Valley.
Gulmarg, renowned for its ski resort in Baramulla district, reported a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius. Qazigund registered a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag witnessed the mercury settling at minus 1.6 degrees and Kupwara at minus 3.0 degrees.
The Meteorological Department forecasted mainly dry weather until the end of the month. However, a dense layer of fog blanketed Srinagar early on Monday, significantly impacting daily life. Morning traffic flow was lower than usual, with vehicles moving cautiously at reduced speeds due to poor visibility.
“At 8.30 am, the visibility in Srinagar was 91 meters due to the fog cover. Motorists are advised to drive carefully due to low visibility,” cautioned an official from the local Meteorological office.
Srinagar airport reported delays in some flights from Delhi due to poor visibility in the national capital. An official from the airport stated, “We do not have any issues on this side, but some Srinagar-bound flights have been delayed due to dense fog in Delhi.”
The India Meteorological Department reported zero visibility around Palam in Delhi at 8.30 am.
Kashmir is currently experiencing the harsh 40-day winter period known as ‘Chilla-i-Kalan,’ characterized by a cold wave that freezes water bodies, including Dal Lake, and water supply lines in various parts of the Valley. The highest chances of snowfall occur during this period, which will conclude on January 31. Subsequently, cold conditions will persist with a 20-day ‘Chilla-i-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day ‘Chilla-i-Bachha’ (baby cold).
