A sudden and early onset of a chilly wave has enveloped the Kashmir Valley, setting new seasonal benchmarks and impacting every day life throughout the area. The mercury plunged, marking the coldest night time this season, with temperatures hitting a low of minus 0.8°C in Srinagar, the center of the valley 15 days earlier than the conventional onset of the winter.
Mukhtar Ahmad, the Director of the Meteorological Division, highlighted the sudden drop in temperatures, roughly 2°C beneath the norm. He predicted sustained chilly situations till the 27th, with temperatures anticipated to plummet additional into sub-zero territory. This unanticipated onset of chilly climate has heralded an early winter throughout Kashmir.
Not solely Srinagar however varied areas throughout the valley, together with Pahalgam and Gulmarg, skilled sub-zero temperatures. Pahalgam reported a chilling low of minus 2.6°C, whereas Gulmarg, the famend snowboarding vacation spot, recorded a minimal of minus 1.2°C. The whole valley was shrouded in dense fog throughout mornings and evenings, considerably lowering visibility and inflicting disruptions to every day commutes.
In keeping with the MET division, the forecast signifies predominantly dry climate till November 27, with sporadic cloud cowl on November 25. Nevertheless, the prevailing situations of fog and mist throughout morning and night hours persist, affecting each air and floor transportation. Consequently, warning is suggested to motorists to forestall accidents, as low visibility has led to flight cancellations and delays.
Whereas the bizarre climate poses challenges for the locals, vacationers have embraced the wintry allure of Kashmir. Guests like Aman Patel from Gujarat expressed their delight regardless of the chilly and fog, relishing their experiences in Gulmarg and Pahalgam, the place they encountered snowfall, including to the attract of the scenic Kashmiri landscapes.
In mild of this early winter spell, the tourism trade stays optimistic, anticipating a surge in winter tourism akin to the bustling summers. The tourism division is gearing up for this inflow, making obligatory preparations to make sure a memorable expertise for guests flocking to the picturesque Kashmir valley.
