Srinagar plunged into deep freeze Tuesday night, recording minus 5.1 degrees Celsius – the season’s chilliest mark to date. This arctic blast has accelerated winter’s arrival, blanketing the city in an unforgiving cold dome.
Official readings from the regional meteorological center captured the plunge at 530 meters above sea level, where Srinagar sits. Comparatively milder areas uphill fared slightly better, but the plains bore the brunt.
The event stems from stalled weather systems allowing unhindered cold air advection. Satellite imagery revealed a massive high-pressure ridge blocking warmer southerlies, a setup primed for prolonged freezes.
Impacts rippled across daily routines. Morning commutes slowed on icy boulevards like Residency Road. Vendors at Lal Chowk hawked mufflers and gloves amid bustling crowds seeking refuge from winds gusting at 15 kmph.
Healthcare facilities ramped up readiness for frostbite and bronchitis surges. Schools dismissed early in some districts, prioritizing student safety. Aviation saw minor disruptions with de-icing procedures at the airport.
Looking ahead, the cold wave persists with minimums forecast between minus 4 to minus 7 degrees through Friday. A weak western disturbance might sprinkle snow over Pir Panjal ranges Sunday, potentially easing plains temperatures slightly.
Community spirit shone through. Neighbors shared firewood supplies, and community kitchens offered hot meals to the needy. Traditional Kashmiri cuisine – ghee-laden rogan josh and steaming gushtaba – gained popularity for their warming properties.
This benchmark cold sets the tone for what’s likely a ‘severe winter’ classification. With La Niña influences lingering, stakeholders from agriculture to tourism recalibrate plans. Srinagar’s residents, battle-hardened by decades of such winters, settle in for the long haul.