Cold wave sweeps Kashmir, Dal Lake freezes

The biting cold wave that has swept Jammu and Kashmir has disrupted normal life and the famous Dal lake has frozen.

Srinagar, Nov 29 : The biting cold wave that has swept Jammu and Kashmir has disrupted normal life and the famous Dal lake has frozen.

The minimum temperature in the valley was minus 4.8 degree Celsius recorded on Wednesday night. The Meteorological Department has predicted a cold winter ahead.

Winter in the state starts from November 15 with the last leg of December and month of January witnessing acute chilly weather. The Meteorological Department has predicted temporary relief from the relentless cold wave on account of weak western winds.

"Today's minimum temperature is (minus) 4.8 degree Celsius which is the lowest for this season. Cold wave conditions prevail in the valley. The sky is clear and radiation from the earth is directly going into space, that's why the temperature is falling. However, with a weak westerly wind blowing in, the temperature may rise," said N P Bhatnagar, director, Metrological Department, Kashmir.

The tough weather conditions have made people wary of venturing out in the morning and evening, when the cold wave is at its peak.

"In the morning and evening the cold is excessive. Such a cold wave is being witnessed after a long period of time. There is no electricity. No rainfall has occurred. Children are worst affected and people in general are suffering immensely," says Mohammad Afzal, a local resident.

The valley experiences strong winds along with snow and rainfall during the winter season that lasts from November till March.

ANI