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Srinagar, January 22, 2024: The picturesque Kashmir Valley is enduring a bone-chilling winter, with temperatures plunging well below freezing across the region. Srinagar, the former summer capital, woke up to a frosty -4.8°C this morning, a testament to the harsh grip of winter.
The mercury has dipped considerably across the valley, painting a vivid picture of the season's severity. Pahalgam, nestled amidst snow-laden mountains, recorded a teeth-chattering -6.5°C, while Pulwama shivered under an equally frigid -6.9°C. However, temperatures varied slightly across the region, with Kokernag offering a reprieve at a milder -2.3°C.
Despite the biting cold, residents continue their daily routines as winter's blanket descends upon the valley. Schoolchildren bundle up in layers, vendors huddle over makeshift fires, and tourists marvel at the snow-dusted landscape, even as icy winds sting their cheeks.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) offers little respite in the immediate future. Dry weather is expected to hold sway until January 24, with a brief respite in the form of cloud cover predicted for the evening and night of January 20. However, locals fear a potential extension of the dry spell, raising concerns about potential water shortages in the coming months.
Amidst the picturesque beauty of the frozen valley, the harsh realities of winter are undeniable. Srinagar residents grapple with frozen water pipes and transportation disruptions, while farmers worry about the impact of the dry spell on their crops. As the sun dips below the snow-capped mountains, casting long shadows across the frozen meadows, hope lingers for a reprieve from the biting cold and a return to the valley's lush spring.
