Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir (India), December 7 : A cold wave has intensified in Srinagar as temperatures dropped to a chilling -4.1°C. The severe drop in temperature has, however, provided a boost to the local economy, particularly for hotels and businesses, with an increase in tourist arrivals and a rise in activities on Dal Lake.
Locals and tourists have been seen bundled up in heavy winter clothing, gathering around bonfires to stay warm amidst the freezing conditions. A tourist from Rajasthan shared, “It’s very cold here in Srinagar, and the temperature has dropped significantly. Despite the chill, we came to enjoy the winter, and there are many other tourists here as well.”
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that temperatures may drop even further in the coming days, with a possibility of rain or thunderstorms. On December 6, the minimum temperature in Srinagar had been 4°C. Furthermore, the IMD has warned that a fresh western disturbance is expected to impact the western Himalayan region and adjacent plains from December 8, potentially intensifying the winter weather.
In the midst of the cold, the fog hanging over Srinagar creates an ethereal atmosphere, making the city feel like a timeless, mysterious place. While the fog brings a biting chill to the air, warmth can be found in the hearths of Kashmiri homes, where families gather around traditional kangris (firepots), the soft glow of the flames casting a comforting light through frosted windows.
The city’s vibrant life continues in this quiet, almost ghostly ambiance, where every corner holds the promise of discovery, yet everything feels frozen in time, waiting.