An intense cold wave has gripped parts of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Himachal Pradesh, with temperatures plummeting to below freezing point, disrupting daily life and leading to dangerous conditions across the regions.
In Himachal Pradesh, minimum temperatures dipped by 3 to 5 degrees below normal on Tuesday, triggering light snowfall and freezing water pipelines in many areas. Several districts in the state, including Lahaul and Spiti, Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, and higher regions of Kangra, recorded significant cold conditions. The mercury dropped to minus 12.7 degrees Celsius in Tabo, Lahaul-Spiti, making it the coldest place in the state. Other regions like Kukumseri recorded minus 8.1 degrees, Sumdo at minus 7.9 degrees, Kalpa at minus 5.4 degrees, and Narkanda at minus 3.4 degrees.
Shimla’s Khadrala, Koksar in Lahaul and Spiti, and Kalpa experienced snowfall, measuring 2.0 cm, 0.5 cm, and 0.2 cm, respectively. Due to the ongoing cold wave, fifteen roads, including the Atari-Leh National Highway 3 and Firozpur-Shipki La National Highway 5, were blocked for traffic in the Kullu, Lahaul, and Spiti districts. Dense fog also covered parts of Bilaspur’s Bhakra Dam and Balh Valley in Mandi, with forecasts indicating its persistence over the next couple of days.
Meanwhile, in Jammu & Kashmir, the cold wave led to clear skies and further dip in temperatures. The night temperature dropped by 2.7 to 5.7 degrees below normal in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir valley. Gulmarg, the popular ski resort in North Kashmir, recorded the lowest temperature of the season at minus 9.0 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam, the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, saw temperatures plummet to minus 8.4 degrees Celsius.
The extreme cold and dry spells have also led to an increase in cold-related illnesses, such as colds and coughs. Health officials have issued advisories urging vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, to take necessary precautions and stay indoors to avoid health risks.
With further cold expected in the coming days, residents of J&K and Himachal Pradesh have been urged to prepare for continued harsh conditions, especially in higher altitudes.
Sources By Agencies
