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Kashmir's Deep Freeze: Srinagar Plunges to -4°C, No Snow Relief Till Jan 20

An intense cold wave continues across Jammu and Kashmir, with Srinagar recording a minimum temperature of minus 4 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department indicates no major Western Disturbance is likely until January 20, meaning prospects for significant snowfall are bleak until then. This lack of snowfall during the crucial Chillai Kalan period threatens the replenishment of the region's perennial water reservoirs. Residents are braving the extreme cold with traditional garments like the 'Pheran', while doctors caution against strenuous outdoor activity.

Key Points: J&K Cold Wave: Srinagar at -4°C, No Major Snow Till Jan 20

  • Srinagar records -4°C
  • No major snowfall expected till Jan 20
  • Water taps freeze across Valley
  • Chillai Kalan period crucial for water supply
  • Doctors warn against strenuous activity in cold
2 min read

Bone-chilling cold in J&K; Srinagar records minus 4 degrees Celsius

Intense cold grips J&K with Srinagar at -4°C. Met Dept predicts no major snowfall till Jan 20, raising concerns for water reservoirs.

"no major Western Disturbance is likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir till January 20 - Meteorological Department"

Srinagar, Jan 6

An intense cold wave continued across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday with the minimum temperature dropping to minus 4 degrees Celsius in Srinagar city.

According to the Meteorological Department, no major Western Disturbance is likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir till January 20, implying that the prospects of a major snowfall are bleak at least till January 20.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg minus 8.6 degrees Celsius and Pahalgam minus 6.8 degrees Celsius.

Jammu city witnessed a minimum temperature of 5.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Katra 4.8 degrees Celsius, Batote 1.7 degrees Celsius, Banihal 1.5 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah minus 2.2 degrees Celsius.

Water taps in Srinagar city and other cities and towns in the Valley froze in the morning as the weak winter sun ineffectually tried to provide some warmth to the people in the Valley.

The 40-day-long period of intense winter cold, which began on December 21, will end on January 30. Unless the weather gods show mercy, the plains of the Valley would miss their tryst with this winter's first season fall at least till January 20.

Snowfall after January 30 will not be able to replenish the perennial water reservoirs in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, as it is the plentiful snowfall during the Chillai Kalan period, which lasts long enough to sustain the water bodies during the summer months.

People are braving the extreme cold in the Valley by wearing the traditional tweed-over garment called the 'Pheran'. In addition to protecting themselves with the 'Pheran', Kashmiris also wrap themselves up in many layers of woollen clothes to retain heat.

Every Kashmiri in the middle and old age groups wear a woollen cap and muffler, while the younger ones believe they can fight the cold by engaging in physical activity.

Doctors have cautioned people, including youth, not to engage in hectic physical activity during extreme cold, as sudden differences in body temperature from exposure to cold after physical activity are fatal.

Elders have been advised not to leave their homes till 10 a.m. as mornings are the coldest period in the winter months.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The lack of snowfall till Jan 20 is worrying. It's not just about the cold, it's about water security for the summer. The Chillai Kalan period is so crucial for the glaciers and reservoirs. Climate change effects are becoming very real.
R
Rohit P
Reading about frozen water taps brings back memories of winters in North India. It's a different level of challenge. Respect to the doctors advising caution - young people often think they're invincible to the cold. Listen to the elders!
P
Priyanka N
While the focus is on the cold, I hope the administration is ensuring proper power supply and heating arrangements, especially for the elderly and hospitals. Dry, snowless cold can be just as harsh, if not more.
M
Michael C
The detailed temperature data from different towns is insightful. It shows the micro-climates within the region. Batote at 1.7 and Bhaderwah at -2.2, not far apart but a significant difference. Stay strong, J&K.
K
Kavya N
A respectful criticism: The article could have included more on what local authorities are doing to help, or tips for tourists who might be there. The cultural detail about the Pheran is good, but practical info is also needed.
V
Vikram M

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