Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], February 2: The winter chill continued to prevail in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, with a minimum temperature of 1.0 degrees Celsius on Sunday, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city is expected to experience a partly cloudy sky which will become generally cloudy towards the afternoon, evening, or night.
In the Doda district, fresh snowfall was reported in the upper reaches of Bhalessa, while rainfall in the plains contributed to a significant dip in temperatures. For farmers and orchard owners, this snowfall brought relief after a prolonged dry spell in the region.
Meanwhile, to ensure safe passage amidst the snowfall and challenging weather in Sonamarg (Kashmir), the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has launched snow clearance operations to facilitate smoother traffic flow. The Kashmir valley remains under a blanket of snow, which, though picturesque, continues to disrupt daily life.
In addition to the chilly conditions in Kashmir, dense fog has enveloped Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, leading to reduced visibility. In Delhi, the fog was particularly thick on Sunday morning, accompanied by cold winds. The IMD forecasted a low temperature of 10 degrees Celsius in the national capital and predicted rain for February 3.
The air quality in Delhi remained in the “very poor” category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 340 recorded at 8 am. This level of pollution significantly impacts health and daily activities, as the AQI scale categorizes 301-400 as “very poor” and 401-500 as “severe.”
Cold weather conditions in Delhi have prompted an increased reliance on night shelters. Across areas like Nizamuddin and Lodhi Road, many residents have sought refuge in shelters to escape the biting cold. These shelters, often community centers or tents, are equipped with basic amenities like heaters to offer warmth. The Delhi government, in collaboration with various NGOs, has been providing warm clothing, blankets, and heated spaces for the increasing number of people turning to these shelters.
Tinku Kumar, a caretaker at one of the shelters, shared, “We have 20 beds for the people. All of them have been provided with food, blankets, and medicines.”
The drop in temperatures in both regions is attributed to the northwesterly winds coming from the Himalayas, which continue to influence the weather.