The Kashmir valley is experiencing a severe cold spell. Following the season’s first snowfall in the foothills and plains, temperatures plummeted across the region on Friday, with meteorological experts forecasting intense cold wave conditions at numerous locations over the upcoming four days, according to officials. Various cities in Uttar Pradesh, including the Tarai belt, are facing severe cold wave conditions. While cold waves typically strike Uttar Pradesh regions in late December, residents note this year’s early arrival. Many UP towns have started lighting bonfires, with the Chief Minister previously designating funds to authorities for arranging these, particularly in Prayagraj, which is preparing to welcome millions of devotees from across the nation and international visitors.
Following snowfall in Kashmir’s higher elevations and some plain areas, nighttime temperatures declined throughout the valley, according to meteorological officials. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, registered a minimum temperature of minus 2 degrees Celsius, dropping from minus 0.5 degrees Celsius the previous night, officials reported. They indicated that Gulmarg, a northern Kashmir skiing destination popular among tourists, recorded the valley’s lowest temperature, with the mercury dropping to minus 9.6 degrees Celsius, compared to minus 5.2 degrees Celsius the night before. Pahalgam, south Kashmir’s Amarnath Yatra base camp, experienced its season’s coldest night at minus 9.4 degrees Celsius, substantially lower than the previous night’s minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, the weather department noted. Qazigund, Kashmir’s gateway town, recorded minus 1.4 degrees Celsius, while north Kashmir’s Kupwara registered minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, and south Kashmir’s Kokernag recorded minus 1.8 degrees Celsius.
The higher elevations, including tourist hotspots like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Tangmarg, Gurez, and Zojila axis received light to moderate snowfall on Thursday, officials reported. Several plain areas in Shopian, Pulwama, and Baramulla, along with higher regions of Anantnag, Budgam, and Bandipora also experienced light snowfall. The meteorological department predicts predominantly dry weather until December 21. However, they warn that valley temperatures will likely decrease further, with cold wave conditions expected across numerous stations duri