Mon Dec 30 08:58:02 UTC 2024: ## Kashmir Shivers as Cold Wave Intensifies
**Srinagar, December 30, 2024** – A severe cold wave has gripped the Kashmir Valley, with temperatures plummeting several degrees below freezing. Gulmarg, a popular tourist destination, recorded a chilling -10°C overnight, while Pahalgam, the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, saw a minimum temperature of -9.2°C. Even Srinagar, the region’s largest city, experienced a significantly low temperature of -0.9°C.
The meteorological department attributed the extreme cold to the ongoing “Chillai-Kalan,” the harshest period of Kashmir’s winter, which began on December 21st and is expected to last until January 30th. This 40-day period is characterized by high chances of snowfall and significantly reduced temperatures. Following Chillai-Kalan are the “Chillai-Khurd” (20 days) and “Chillai-Bachha” (10 days), which also bring cold weather conditions.
While most areas of the Valley experienced sub-zero temperatures, Kupwara registered a relatively mild -0.1°C. The intense cold has impacted daily life, with residents bracing for continued frigid conditions. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and advising residents to take necessary precautions.
First Piper 