Kashmir Valley Faces Ongoing Cold Wave
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Srinagar, Dec 11 (NationPress) The cold wave persists across the Kashmir Valley as Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
Since the early hours, new snowfall has commenced in the Zojila Pass area along the Srinagar-Leh highway, leading to a suspension of traffic for the day.
According to officials from the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperatures were minus 3 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, minus 6 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg, and minus 1.8 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 5 degrees, Katra 5.9, Batote 1.5, Banihal minus 2.1, and Bhaderwah minus 2.6 degrees as the minimum temperatures.
The Meteorological Department has predicted cold, dry weather in J&K until December 24, with an expectation of further intensification of the cold.
Residents in Srinagar and surrounding areas were again seen struggling to de-freeze their water taps in the morning.
While water bodies such as Dal Lake, Wullar Lake, Manasbal Lake, and Nigeen Lake have not yet frozen, the intense chill over the water surfaces hampers boating activities during the morning hours.
Morning walkers have adjusted their schedules due to the severe cold.
The period known as 'Chillai Kalan', which lasts for 40 days of harsh winter, is set to begin on December 21 and conclude on January 30.
With electricity supply fluctuating due to the significant gap between power consumption and imports, locals rely on the ember-filled firepot, known as 'Kangri', which is woven in a willow wicker basket and kept under the loose tweed garment called 'Pheran' as a primary defense against the cold.
During times of fresh vegetable shortages, residents often resort to using dried vegetables such as brinjals, tomatoes, and pumpkins, which are preserved during autumn for consumption during the harsh winter months.
