Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)Kashmir is bracing for a harsher cold wave in the coming 48 hours as temperatures across the valley continue to plunge, intensifying the winter chill.
Weather forecasts predict night temperatures in central and north Kashmir plains will drop between -4°C and -6°C, while the south Kashmir plains are expected to face even harsher conditions, with temperatures plunging as low as -9°C.
The region is already experiencing extreme cold, with Zojila recording a bone-chilling -28.0°C, Gulmarg at -8.5°C, and Sonamarg at -9.8°C. Meanwhile, Padder in the Jammu region registered -4.4°C, and Drass in Ladakh—one of the coldest inhabited places in the world—reported an icy -22.4°C.
According to meteorologists, the cold wave is likely to persist through January, with dry weather dominating the region. A weak Western Disturbance is anticipated around January 31, but it is unlikely to provide significant relief. The ongoing dry spell is also expected to further reduce water levels in streams and reservoirs, posing challenges for households and irrigation systems.
Authorities have advised residents to take extra precautions, including insulating homes, using proper heating equipment, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to the cold. Health experts have also recommended staying hydrated and consuming warm foods to combat the effects of the severe drop in temperature.
Despite the freezing conditions, the valley remains a winter wonderland for tourists. Popular destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam are witnessing a rise in visitors drawn by the snow-covered landscapes and winter sports activities. However, travelers have been urged to remain cautious, as icy roads and slippery conditions pose safety risks.
For locals, enduring these freezing temperatures is a testament to their resilience. Daily life continues, with markets bustling and communities coming together to help one another. The biting cold, though challenging, has also brought picturesque beauty to the valley, with frost-covered trees, frozen streams, and snow-laden mountains offering a mesmerizing winter spectacle.
As Kashmir braces for even colder nights ahead, the spirit of its people shines brightly, proving that life in the valley is as much about resilience as it is about breathtaking beauty.(DD)