SRINAGAR (Dec 3): Kashmir continues to reel under an intensifying cold wave as temperatures dipped further below the freezing point, worsening weather conditions across the Valley. According to officials, the minimum temperature in Srinagar plunged to –4.4°C on Tuesday night, a significant drop from –2.5°C recorded the previous night. The sharp decline marks one of the season’s coldest nights so far.
The persistent fall in temperatures was accompanied by a dense layer of fog that settled over major parts of the Valley early Wednesday morning. Thick fog wrapped Srinagar, downtown pockets, and areas around water bodies including Dal Lake and Jhelum riverfronts, severely reducing visibility and slowing down morning movement.
Impact on Business and Daily Activities
The prevailing cold and low visibility conditions have begun to affect several sectors across Kashmir:
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Transport Sector: Early-morning road traffic moved at a sluggish pace as dense fog disrupted visibility. Local transport operators reported delays, particularly on routes connecting the city centre with suburban areas.
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Tourism: With temperatures dipping sharply, hoteliers and houseboat owners are witnessing a mixed trend—tourists looking for winter experiences are arriving, but the harsh conditions are discouraging many others.
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Retail Markets: Business establishments in Srinagar’s commercial hubs opened late as traders struggled with freezing temperatures and foggy conditions. Footfall in markets like Lal Chowk, Residency Road, and Hazratbal saw a noticeable drop during morning hours.
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Energy Demand: Power consumption has risen sharply as households and businesses rely more on heating appliances. Energy officials anticipate increased load in the coming days if the cold wave persists
Local residents say the cold has set in earlier and harsher than expected this year. “The fog is so thick in the mornings that it becomes difficult to even walk. Everything feels frozen,” said a shopkeeper in downtown Srinagar.
Weather experts warn that colder nights may lie ahead as Kashmir moves deeper into the pre-Chillai-Kalan phase—the harshest 40-day winter period that begins on December 21.
