Snowfall Grips Western Himalayas: Cold Wave Disrupts Life Across Northern India

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Snowfall Grips Western Himalayas

Key Points:

  1. Severe Drop in Temperatures: Minimum temperatures below zero recorded in seven districts of Himachal Pradesh and most parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
  2. Record Cold Nights: Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season at -5.4°C, while Gulmarg hit -9°C for three consecutive nights.
  3. Daily Life Disrupted: Freezing conditions have affected daily activities, with water sources frozen and transportation impacted.
  4. Upcoming Weather Alerts: More snow and rain are forecast for parts of Jammu and Kashmir on December 11-12.

New Delhi: The relentless snowfall over the last three days has plunged temperatures in the western Himalayan states, pushing the mercury below freezing in multiple regions. Himachal Pradesh reported extreme cold, with Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti recording a bone-chilling -12.7°C. Jammu and Kashmir also faced the season’s harshest winter night, disrupting life across the region.

Himachal Pradesh Freezes Under Snow Cover

The western Himalayan states are reeling under subzero temperatures, with seven districts of Himachal Pradesh recording freezing conditions. Tabo, in the picturesque Lahaul-Spiti district, emerged as the coldest location at -12.7°C. The continuous snowfall has intensified the chill in the plains, further complicating daily activities for residents.

Jammu and Kashmir Bear the Brunt of Cold Wave

Severe cold has paralyzed life in Jammu and Kashmir, with Monday night marking the season’s coldest so far. Gulmarg recorded a low of -9°C for the third straight day, while Srinagar shivered at -5.4°C. The iconic tourist destination of Pahalgam faced biting winds, and water sources in the valley froze, creating additional hardships.

Temperature Snapshots:

  • Srinagar: -5.4°C
  • Gulmarg: -9°C
  • Jammu: 5.4°C
  • Leh: -13.2°C

Day and night temperatures across the region are lingering 2-6°C below normal.

Forecast and Warnings

The Srinagar Meteorological Center has issued an alert for rain and snowfall across parts of Jammu and Kashmir on December 11 and 12. The cold wave is expected to persist, with no immediate relief in sight for residents braving the icy conditions.

Snowfall Grips Western Himalayas

Impact on Daily Life

The ongoing cold spell has significantly disrupted life in the region:

  • Frozen Water Sources: Essential water supplies have been hampered due to freezing conditions.
  • Tourism Affected: Harsh weather is challenging for visitors to popular spots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
  • Transportation Woes: Snow-covered roads and freezing temperatures have made travel perilous.

Residents and travelers are advised to take precautions, including proper insulation and limited outdoor exposure, as the Himalayan winter shows no signs of relenting.

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