With temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling -7°C, Dal Lake partially freezes while residents brace for harsher weather ahead.
December 23, 2024: Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): The iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar froze partially on Monday as the Kashmir Valley continues to battle an intense coldwave. The temperature plunged to an icy -7°C, marking one of the coldest days this winter.
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According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature recorded was 7°C, with forecasts predicting continued freezing temperatures in the coming days.
Residents Struggle Against Harsh Cold
Visuals from the city show locals huddled around bonfires, wrapped in heavy woolens, and boatmen rowing their Shikaras carefully across the partially frozen surface of Dal Lake.
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“The weather has become extremely cold, and our hands are freezing. This is the first time in years we’ve seen Dal Lake freeze like this,” said a local resident.
Another resident highlighted the possibility of imminent snowfall, given the sharp decline in temperature. “The air is frigid, and it feels like snow could fall any day now. People must take precautions to stay safe,” he added.
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Government Response to the Crisis
In response to the coldwave and its impact on essential services like electricity and water supply, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has cancelled his scheduled engagements in Jammu. He will remain stationed in Srinagar to monitor the situation personally.
“In light of the severe cold spell in the Kashmir Valley and the resultant difficulties with water and electricity supply, I have decided to cancel my upcoming programmes in Jammu and station myself in Srinagar for the next week to oversee the functioning of essential services,” Abdullah announced via social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
IMD Forecast
The IMD has issued warnings of severe coldwave conditions across Jammu and Kashmir starting December 24. Authorities have urged residents to adopt precautionary measures to safeguard against extreme cold-related ailments and disruptions.
As temperatures continue to plummet, residents and officials alike are bracing for potentially harsher weather conditions in the days to come.
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Dal Lake Freezes, Srinagar Coldwave, Kashmir Winter, Dal Lake Temperature, Jammu and Kashmir Weather, Coldwave Alert, Omar Abdullah Coldwave Response, Srinagar -7°C, IMD Coldwave Warning, Dal Lake Frozen
