The Biz Reporter
SRINAGAR — The winter chill tightened its grip on Kashmir’s summer capital as Srinagar recorded its coldest December night in over three decades, with temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling -8.5°C. This marks the lowest December temperature the city has experienced since 1990.
Local meteorological officials confirmed that the freezing temperatures led to the formation of a thick layer of ice on the famous Dal Lake, while water supply lines across several neighborhoods were affected. Residents woke up to frozen water taps and slippery roads, disrupting daily life in the city.
“This is exceptional even by Srinagar’s winter standards,” said a senior meteorologist at the local weather station. “While sub-zero temperatures are common in December, dropping to -8.5°C is quite rare.”
However, this isn’t the coldest temperature ever recorded in Srinagar’s history. That record still stands at -12.8°C, documented on December 13, 1934, nearly 90 years ago.
The severe cold wave has prompted authorities to advise residents to take necessary precautions, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours. Local hospitals have reported an increase in cold-related ailments, especially among the elderly and children.
Despite the harsh conditions, the extreme cold has attracted tourists eager to witness Kashmir’s winter wonderland, with many hoping to catch a glimpse of the frozen Dal Lake, a rare spectacle that has become an unexpected attraction during this cold spell.
Weather officials predict the cold wave conditions to persist over the next few days, advising residents to prepare accordingly for the continuing winter challenge.
