- विज्ञापन -
Srinagar: Fresh snowfall has blanketed the higher elevations of Jammu & Kashmir, leading to a further drop in both minimum and maximum temperatures due to cold winds blowing from the snow-covered mountains.
Popular hill stations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam experienced new snowfall, making travel challenging on the slippery roads, particularly in Gulmarg and the Botapathri area.
Authorities have issued a warning that vehicles without non-skid chains on their tires will not be permitted to travel to Gulmarg from Tangmarg due to the fresh snow accumulation.
The Mughal Road, which connects the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region, is currently closed to traffic, along with the Srinagar-Leh and Bandipora-Gurez roads, which are also affected by snow.
According to officials from the MET department, the recent snowfall in the higher reaches has resulted in a further decrease in temperatures. On Monday, the minimum temperatures recorded were minus 3.3°C in Srinagar, minus 9°C in Gulmarg, and minus 6.8°C in Pahalgam. The maximum temperatures on Sunday were 9.6°C in Srinagar, 1°C in Gulmarg, and 7.8°C in Pahalgam. In Jammu city, the minimum temperature was 6.5°C, while Katra recorded 6°C, Batote minus 0.5°C, Banihal minus 4.1°C, and Bhaderwah minus 3.4°C on Monday.
The harsh winter period known as ‘Chillai Kalan,’ lasting 40 days, will begin on December 21 and end on January 30. During this time, many water bodies in the valley freeze, complicating boat travel.
Morning fog and frost often discourage people from leaving their homes, while locals keep warm by using a traditional fire pot called ‘Kangri,’ which is carried under a long woolen garment known as ‘Pheran.’ Both the Kangri and Pheran are essential winter items cherished by Kashmiris across all social classes.
