As temperatures dropped to 1.8 degrees in Srinagar, thick fog blanketed the city, exacerbating visibility challenges and affecting local businesses. Some areas, such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam, experienced sub-zero temperatures at -0.4 and -0.26 degrees, respectively, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.
Residents noted that this year’s winter is harsher than the previous one, impacting tourism positively. The regional weather department in Srinagar has forecasted upcoming rainfall and thunderstorms. The dense fog significantly reduced visibility on the roads, presenting challenges for school buses and vehicles. Drivers are contending with hazardous conditions, leading to calls for special traffic arrangements, particularly for children. Tourists reported encountering dense fog in the early morning, with visibility limited to around 50 feet. Floodlights are being used to facilitate smooth traffic flow, but the situation may change with potential rainfall.
Given the challenging weather, the School Education Department in Kashmir is considering early winter vacations for students. The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar issued an advisory recommending face masks for schoolchildren and the elderly during foggy morning and evening hours.