Srinagar shivered through its coldest night of the season as temperatures plunged to a bone-chilling minus 5.1 degrees Celsius. The Kashmir Valley’s summer capital experienced an intense cold wave that caught residents off guard despite the onset of winter.
Meteorologists at the local weather office confirmed the reading early Wednesday morning, marking the sharpest drop yet this season. Dal Lake froze partially along its edges, while houseboats bobbed gently in icy waters, creating a picturesque yet harsh winter scene.
The extreme cold follows a pattern of erratic weather in the region. Just days ago, light snowfall blanketed higher reaches, but lower areas like Srinagar remained dry until this freeze. Residents woke to frost-covered windows and streets slick with ice, prompting warnings from authorities.
Traffic moved cautiously on key roads, with vehicles equipped with winter tires navigating the slippery conditions. Schools remained open, but parents expressed concerns over children’s exposure to such low temperatures.
Experts attribute this sudden chill to a western disturbance interacting with cold Arctic air masses. ‘The jet stream position has shifted, allowing cold air to dominate,’ explained a senior meteorologist. Forecasts predict continued sub-zero nights through the weekend, with daytime highs struggling to reach 4 degrees Celsius.
Locals have taken measures to combat the cold. Traditional ‘kanger’ fire pots warm homes, while heavy pheran robes shield bodies from the biting wind. Markets buzzed with sales of woolens and heaters as people stocked up.
This early freeze signals a harsh winter ahead for Jammu and Kashmir. Tourists who flock to the valley for snow might arrive sooner than expected, but for residents, it’s a test of endurance. As the mercury dips further, the administration prepares contingency plans for power outages and health emergencies common during peak winter.