SRINAGAR, Jan 3:  The Kashmir Valley experienced an unrelenting dry cold wave, leading to the freezing of numerous water bodies and a concerning decline in water discharge. Lakes such as Dal, Nigeen, and Wullar, along with rivers and streams, exhibited partial freezing, with water levels plummeting significantly due to minimal snowfall, mainly confined to mountainous regions this season.

The impact of the harsh weather conditions is evident, as regions that typically rely on sufficient water supply schemes from the Jal Shakti department are now facing demands for potable water. The scarcity underscores the severity of the ongoing dry cold wave and its repercussions on the daily lives of residents.

The weather forecast from the meteorological office indicates cloudy conditions in Kashmir from January 4 to January 6. However, there is a disappointing note for relief, as the forecast does not anticipate any rain or snowfall in the plains during this period. This revelation adds to the existing concerns about the persisting dry and cold conditions in the region.

Srinagar, the capital city, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Similarly, the hill stations of Gulmarg and Pahalgam experienced cold temperatures, with readings of minus 3.8 and minus 6.6 degrees Celsius, respectively. In the Ladakh region, Leh recorded a bone-chilling minus 15.2 degrees Celsius, Kargil had minus 12.4, and Drass registered minus 14 as the minimum temperature.

Moving to the Jammu region, the city recorded a relatively milder temperature of 7 degrees Celsius. Other areas, including Katra at 4.4 degrees, Batote at 2.6 degrees, Bhaderwah at 0.3 degrees, and Banihal at minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, all experienced the cold grip of winter.

As Kashmir grapples with the persistent dry cold wave and its adverse effects on water bodies and temperatures, the local residents are bracing themselves for the challenges posed by the unyielding winter conditions.