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Kashmir's Deep Freeze: Tourists Rejoice Amid Record Cold Wave

A biting cold wave has tightened its grip on the Kashmir Valley, sending temperatures plummeting below freezing. Despite the harsh chill, tourists are pouring into Srinagar, finding charm in the icy weather even as they hope for snow. Locals are bundling up but carrying on with daily life, some even recommending morning runs to beat the cold. With foggy mornings becoming common, the region's beauty continues to draw visitors who are promised a warm welcome.

Key Points: Kashmir Valley Cold Wave Grips Region as Tourists Await Snowfall

  • Srinagar records its lowest temperature in J-K at -2.9°C as a cold wave intensifies
  • Tourists express delight with the charming weather despite the absence of expected snowfall
  • Locals adapt to sub-zero temperatures with morning jogs and firewood, advising others not to fear the cold
  • Meteorological officials warn the cold conditions are below seasonal averages and will persist in coming days
3 min read

J-K: Cold wave grips Kashmir Valley as tourists rejoice, await snowfall

A severe cold wave grips Kashmir with temperatures plunging below -2°C, yet tourists flock to Srinagar, embracing the chill while eagerly awaiting snowfall.

"The weather is very nice over here. We came here for the snowfall, but it hasn't happened yet. It's very cold here. - Tourist to ANI"

Srinagar, December 14

A cold wave continued to grip the Kashmir Valley on Sunday, with temperatures dipping across the region, intensifying the winter chill in Srinagar and surrounding areas.

Tourist movement, however, remained steady, with visitors expressing appreciation for the weather and the overall experience despite the absence of snowfall so far.

Speaking to ANI, one of the tourists said that the weather is charming and they have come to experience snowfall.

"The weather is very nice over here. We came here for the snowfall, but it hasn't happened yet. It's very cold here. People should come here, it is a very good place," he told ANI.

Meteorological officials have indicated that temperatures have dipped below seasonal averages at several places in the Valley, with cold conditions expected to persist in the coming days.

On Saturday, the cold wave continued to grip the Kashmir Valley, with temperatures remaining below zero across the region. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -2.9°C, the lowest in Jammu and Kashmir.

As temperatures take a nosedive in the region, foggy mornings are becoming the norm, as seen in visuals from near Dal Lake. Locals can also be seen burning firewood and jogging in the morning, while tourists continue to flock to enjoy the serene environment and the cold.

Other areas experiencing sub-zero temperatures include Pahalgam (-2.8°C), Qazigund (-1.6°C), and Kupwara (-2.4°C). While some places, such as Gulmarg (1.6°C) and Kukernag (0.1°C), remain just above freezing, daytime temperatures in these regions range from 8°C to 14 °C.

Almost everyone has to bundle up before going outside, but it hasn't deterred the locals from their daily lives. When asked about the cold wave, one resident told ANI, "It's definitely freezing here, but it's the good kind and enjoyable at the same time. No matter what the temperature is, the regular person is not likely to be affected by this cold."

He advised the other people on how to handle the extreme cold, saying, "Go out of your homes, there is no need to be scared of the cold. Leave behind the cosy rooms and heaters and simply take up morning runs to keep your body fit and healthy. I follow the same routine all over the year, even if there's snowfall or rain."

When asked about visitors from other states, he said that tourism is the core of Kashmir and that it's very good that they are coming now to enjoy the cold. He added that they'll even "forget summer" after visiting Kashmir and that wherever they go, people will be welcoming of their stay.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
-2.9°C in Srinagar! That's seriously cold. I admire the resilience of the locals going about their daily lives. The tourist's comment about forgetting summer after visiting is so true. The place stays with you.
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Priya S
While it's great tourists are enjoying, my heart goes out to the locals, especially the elderly and less privileged, during such a cold wave. Hope the administration is ensuring adequate supplies of essentials and heating.
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Rohit P
The local's advice is spot on! "Leave behind the cosy rooms..." We in cities have become too soft. A morning run in that cold would be invigorating. Planning a trip next month, fingers crossed for some snowfall! ⛄
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, the article feels a bit too rosy. It mentions people burning firewood. We should also talk about the environmental impact and whether sustainable heating solutions are being promoted in the Valley alongside tourism growth.
M
Meera T
The warmth of Kashmiri hospitality is legendary. The local resident saying "people will be welcoming of their stay" says it all. That's the real warmth that counters the cold. More power to the tourism industry there!

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