Srinagar Shivers At – 8.5 Degrees, Coldest December Night in 50 Years
Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It has recorded its coldest December night in five decades. Temperatures drop to a chilling minus 8.5 degrees celsius. This extreme cold marks the onset of “Chillai Kalan.” It is the 40-day period known for the harshest winter conditions in the region.
Srinagar’s Record-Breaking Cold
On Friday night, temperatures in Srinagar dropped to minus 8.5°C, making it the coldest December night since 1974, when the city recorded a low of minus 10.3°C. This temperature is the third-lowest December temperature in Srinagar’s recorded history, following minus 12.8°C on December 13, 1934.
The intense cold has led to the freezing of water taps, causing significant hardships for residents. Tanvir Ahmad, a local resident, remarked, “This year, the cold is harsher. It is more intense compared to the last three to four years.”
Impact on Dal Lake
The severe cold has also affected Dal Lake, a major tourist attraction in Srinagar. The surface of the lake has frozen, with boatmen attempting to break the ice to continue their operations.
Delhi’s Cold Wave and Air Quality
Meanwhile, Delhi is experiencing a significant cold wave, with a thick fog enveloping the city on Sunday morning. The minimum temperature dipped to 8 degrees Celsius. The air quality index (AQI) dropped to ‘severe’ levels. It was recorded at 427 at 7 am.
Residents have been seen gathering around bonfires to combat the chilly weather. Many have sought refuge in night shelter homes. The dense fog has reduced visibility, causing disruptions in daily activities.
Cold Wave in Rajasthan
Parts of Rajasthan are also experiencing intense cold wave conditions. Karauli recorded the lowest temperature at 4.5 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Other areas such as Sangaria, Fatehpur, Churu, and Alwar have also reported temperatures ranging from 5.3°C to 7.8°C.
