No relief from freezing cold in Kashmir
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Dec 21: Chillai Kalan – the 40-day harshest period of winter – today began on a harsh note with temperature in Srinagar breaking a 50-year-old record and settling at minus 8.5 degrees Celsius.
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The minimum temperature in Srinagar dropped down to minus 8.5 degrees Celsius today from minus 6.2 degrees Celsius the previous night.
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Senior Meteorologist at MeT office, Farooq Ahmad, told Excelsior that it was Srinagar’s coldest December night since 1974, when the city recorded a low of minus 10.3 degrees Celsius, and the third coldest since 1891.
Srinagar’s lowest-ever minimum temperature in this month was minus 12.8 degrees Celsius on December 13, 1934.
The intense cold led to the freezing of several water bodies, including parts of the famous Dal lake here, and water supply lines in many areas of the city and elsewhere in the region.
Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 8.6 degrees Celsius while the famous ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius.
Konibal, a hamlet on the outskirts of Pampore town, was the coldest weather station in the Valley with a minimum temperature of minus 10.5 degrees Celsius.
The minimum temperature settled at minus 8.2 degrees Celsius in Qazigund, minus 7.2 degrees Celsius in Kupwara and minus 5.8 degrees Celsius in Kokernag.
This was Kupwara’s lowest December temperature since 1998 and the ninth lowest ever in this month.
Ahmad forecast mainly dry weather till December 26 with a possibility of light snowfall in the higher reaches of the valley on the intervening night of December 21-22.
Light snow over the higher reaches is also possible from the afternoon of December 27 to the forenoon of December 28. “The weather is likely to be mainly dry on December 29-30 while light snowfall is expected in the higher reaches on the New Year’s Eve,” he said.
He said the cold wave at isolated places would continue over the next few days.
During the 40 days of ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the chances of snowfall are the maximum and the temperature drops considerably.
‘Chillai Kalan’ will end on January 30 next year but the cold wave continues in the Valley as it is followed by a 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).
The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir today issued a detailed advisory for motorists and bikers to ensure safe travel in view of ongoing extreme subzero and freezing temperature in Kashmir valley.
The advisory, issued by the RTO Kashmir, Qazi Irfan, states that the guidelines issued highlight the precautionary measures to avoid accidents and ensure safety on icy and foggy roads.
The advisory suggested avoiding unnecessary travel, especially during early mornings and late nights when temperatures are at their lowest. It has asked to stay updated on weather conditions and traffic advisories before traveling.
It also advised to allow additional travel time to avoid rushing, stating that roads may be slippery.
For vehicle preparation, the advisory has highlighted the use winter or all-season tyres for better grip and to ensure the coolant system has sufficient antifreeze to prevent freezing.
“Test vehicle batteries for performance in cold weather. Check that all lights and wipers are functional. Keep fuel tanks at least half full to prevent freezing,” states the advisory.
Sharing driving and riding tips, the advisory suggested motorists and riders to drive slowly and to maintain a safe distance to avoid skidding. It has also been suggested to avoid sudden movements while accelerating, braking, or steering.
“Use low-beam headlights during foggy conditions. Refrain from overtaking on icy or foggy roads,” stated the advisory.
The advisory has advised bikers to wear thermal gear and anti-fog visors.
To meet emergencies, the advisory has advised motorists to carry an emergency kit, including first-aid supplies, a flashlight with extra batteries, a blanket, non-perishable snacks, water, and an ice scraper.
The advisory has also shared helpline numbers—7780917148, 9765079102 for those travelers seeking assistance.
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