TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 09 (TDD): After two back-to-back spells of snowfall, an intense cold wave has swept through Jammu and Kashmir, plunging temperatures across the region and affecting daily life.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a minimum temperature of -4.4°C, marking a sharp drop as the region braces for harsher winter conditions.
The freezing temperatures have brought significant challenges to residents, with frozen water pipelines, icy roads, and increased reliance on heating arrangements being widely reported. People were seen lighting fires and using traditional kangris (portable firepots) to combat the cold.
In the Kashmir Valley, several areas recorded sub-zero temperatures.
Larnoo in Anantnag district emerged as the coldest place, with temperatures plummeting to -11.6°C.
Pahalgam, a famous tourist destination and base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, recorded -10.4°C.
Gulmarg, the famed skiing resort, shivered at -9.6°C, making it one of the coldest places for tourists and locals alike.
Other areas, including Shopian (-9.9°C), Anantnag (-8.4°C), and Khudwani (-7.6°C), also witnessed freezing conditions.
In the Jammu region, temperatures were slightly better but still chilly.
Jammu city recorded 5.5°C, while popular pilgrimage destinations like Katra were at 6.4°C.
Hill towns like Bhaderwah (-0.2°C) and Padder (-5.1°C) faced sub-zero conditions, intensifying the winter chill.
Extreme Cold in Ladakh
In Ladakh, conditions were even more extreme. Drass, known as the second coldest inhabited place on Earth, recorded an unbearable -24.8°C.
Kargil and Leh followed with -14.6°C and -13.3°C, respectively.
The biting cold has disrupted normal life, particularly in the higher reaches of Kashmir and Ladakh.
Icy roads have created slippery conditions, leading to accidents and transportation delays.
Heating demands have surged, with firewood, electric heaters, and LPG gas being in high demand.
The intense cold has also impacted the tourism sector. In Gulmarg and Pahalgam, tourists are braving sub-zero temperatures to enjoy the snow but are advised to dress warmly and take precautions against frostbite.
Authorities on Alert
The Meteorological Department has warned of continued cold conditions in the coming days, with no significant precipitation expected. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during the night and early morning hours, avoid unnecessary travel, and ensure proper insulation in homes.
Tourists planning to visit higher altitudes are being advised to check weather forecasts and make adequate preparations for extreme weather.
As the chill deepens, residents are preparing for the harshest part of winter, with hopes that the traditional 40-day period of intense cold, known locally as the “Chillai Kalan,” will pass without severe hardships (TDD)
