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J&K's Bone-Chilling Cold Wave Continues, Snowfall Eludes Kashmir Plains

An intense dry cold wave continues to grip Jammu and Kashmir, with night temperatures across the Valley remaining several degrees below zero. The Meteorological Department forecasts this cold, dry weather to persist until January 20, raising alarms across the union territory. The ongoing dry spell during the crucial 40-day Chillai Kalan period threatens agriculture and water resources, as the plains have yet to receive their first snowfall. Doctors have issued health warnings, noting a rise in chest and heart-related diseases due to the extreme conditions.

Key Points: J&K Cold Wave: Dry Spell Raises Alarm as Temperatures Plunge

  • Intense dry cold wave continues
  • Temperatures several notches below zero
  • Crucial snowfall absent in plains
  • Water resource replenishment threatened
  • Health warnings for vulnerable groups
2 min read

Bone chilling cold wave continues in J&K; snowfall eludes Kashmir plains

Intense cold wave grips Jammu & Kashmir with sub-zero temperatures. Dry spell threatens water resources as crucial Chillai Kalan period sees no snowfall in plains.

"An alarming situation faces Jammu and Kashmir, especially the Valley - Meteorological Department"

Srinagar, Jan 11

The intense dry cold wave continued unabated in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, with night temperatures throughout the Valley remaining several notches below zero.

A feeble winter sun rose in the clear sky as water taps and the road puddles froze completely, while the Dal Lake in Srinagar city froze in parts.

People were seen lighting small fires around the water taps to de-freeze them in the morning.

Srinagar city had minus 5.2 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg ski resort had minus 6.2, and Pahalgam minus 7.6 as a minimum temperature.

Jammu city had 4 degrees Celsius, Katra town 4.4, Batote 3, Banihal 7.1 and Bhaderwah minus 2 as the minimum temperature.

An alarming situation faces Jammu and Kashmir, especially the Valley, as the Meteorological (MeT) Department has forecast cold, dry weather till January 20.

The gap between the maximum and minimum temperature has also narrowed down as Srinagar recorded 10.9 degrees Celsius and Jammu city 15.2 as the maximum temperature on Saturday.

The continued dry spell has raised alarm across the union territory as all the water bodies on which agriculture, horticulture and drinking water needs are based depend on heavy snowfall during the ongoing 40-day long period of harsh winter cold locally called the 'Chillai Kalan'.

This crucial 40-day-long period is already more than halfway through, and the plains of the Valley are yet to witness this season's first snowfall.

Chillai Kalan ends on January 30. Snowfall in February and March is of little consequence as it melts quickly and does not help replenish the perennial water reservoirs in the mountains of J&K.

Doctors say chest and heart-related diseases are again on the rise due to cold, dry weather. People with a history of chest and heart-related ailments have been advised extra care by the doctors, and such vulnerable people have been advised not to venture out of their homes in extreme cold wave conditions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My heart goes out to the people there, especially the elderly and those with health issues. Minus 5 in Srinagar is no joke. Hope the authorities are ensuring proper heating and medical facilities are available.
R
Rohit P
The Dal Lake freezing is a sight, but the underlying issue is serious. Our glaciers are receding and now less snowfall? Climate change is hitting home. We need more sustainable policies, not just short-term relief.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from Delhi where we complain about 10°C. Puts things in perspective. The image of people lighting fires to defrost water taps is heartbreaking. Stay strong, Kashmir.
V
Vikram M
The Met department forecast till Jan 20 is worrying. Dry cold is the worst. It seeps into your bones. And with no snowfall, the apple orchards and saffron fields will suffer later. A double whammy for the local economy.
M
Michael C
While the article highlights the immediate crisis, I respectfully think it could have detailed more on what long-term steps, if any, are being planned for water management if the snow pattern changes permanently.
K
Kavya N
Bhai, Pahalgam at -7.6! 🥶 Tourists might find it

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