Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley is still under the grip of a cold wave, with temperatures in Srinagar dropping to minus 3 degrees Celsius today.
Fresh snowfall has begun along the Zojila Pass section of the Srinagar-Leh highway, leading to a suspension of traffic for the day.
Meteorological Department officials reported the minimum temperatures across the region: minus 3 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, minus 6 degrees in Gulmarg, and minus 1.8 degrees in Pahalgam. In Jammu city, the temperature was recorded at 5 degrees, while Katra saw 5.9 degrees, Batote at 1.5 degrees, Banihal at minus 2.1, and Bhaderwah at minus 2.6 degrees.
The Meteorological Department has predicted continued cold, dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir until December 24, with expected intensification of the chill during this period.
Residents in Srinagar and other areas are dealing with frozen water taps, struggling to defrost them in the morning. While significant water bodies like Dal Lake, Wullar Lake, Manasbal Lake, and Nigeen Lake have yet to freeze completely, the extreme cold has made boating activities challenging during the morning hours.
Morning walkers are also adjusting their routines due to the frigid temperatures. The 40-day cold spell known as ‘Chillai Kalan’ will begin on December 21 and continue until January 30.
With frequent electricity outages due to a disparity between power consumption and import, locals rely on the traditional ‘Kangri’, an ember-filled firepot nestled in a willow wicker basket, which is placed under the loose tweed garment known as the ‘Pheran’ as their primary defense against the cold. During the winter months, when fresh vegetables are scarce, families often resort to dried vegetables such as brinjals, tomatoes, and pumpkins that they stored from the autumn harvest.