Intense cold conditions prevail across Jammu and Kashmir, turning the region into a frozen expanse. While snow dusts the lofty peaks of the Pir Panjal range and Zojila Pass, the much-needed snowfall evades Kashmir’s plain districts, prolonging the dry freeze. This meteorological quirk has pushed discomfort levels to new heights.
Overnight readings paint a grim picture: Leh town logged minus 8.6 degrees Celsius, Kargil minus 7.9, Srinagar minus 3.8, and Qazigund minus 5.4 amid light snow. Bhadarwah in Doda district hit minus 4.2 degrees, reflecting the widespread chill. Fog blankets valleys, reducing visibility and complicating commutes.
The human toll is evident. Dal Lake’s surface glimmers with ice, stranding houseboat dwellers. Fruit growers worry over frost damage to budding crops, and livestock faces threats from the freeze. Relief efforts include free LPG cylinders and medical camps for the elderly and infants.
Forecasts indicate the cold wave’s longevity, with a gradual moderation expected only post a week. Potential for valley snow exists, which could ease temperatures by providing a reflective blanket. Highways like Mughal Road are closed intermittently, stranding vehicles.
This prolonged winter underscores Kashmir’s vulnerability to weather extremes. With tourism gearing up for peak season, the lack of snow in accessible areas hampers ski resorts’ appeal beyond Gulmarg. As scientists link it to shifting jet streams, the region yearns for balanced precipitation to avert summer water crises.