A cold wave has gripped Kashmir, with temperatures dropping below freezing point. This resulted in a dense fog which led to disruptions in flight operations at the Srinagar International Airport early Tuesday.
Low visibility impacts traffic in Kashmir
Since the fog has enveloped most parts of Kashmir, it has also impacted the early morning traffic. The Srinagar Airport authorities reported delays in morning flights on both Monday and Tuesday due to poor visibility in the early hours.
Shopian, located in south Kashmir, recorded the lowest temperature in the valley at minus 3.9 degrees Celsius. Srinagar city experienced a low of minus 1.2 degrees Celsius on Monday night, marking the coldest night in most areas, including the city, according to the Meteorological Department.
Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 0.8 degrees Celsius, while the Gulmarg ski resort registered a minimum temperature of minus 0.6 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam, the base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra, recorded a low of minus 2.9 degrees Celsius, and Pulwama recorded minus 2.7 degrees Celsius.
The significant drop in minimum temperature has prompted calls for the closure of schools, particularly for primary classes. The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir issued a statement on Monday urging the administration to declare winter vacations for lower classes.