Kashmir Freezes, India Shivers: Cold Wave Grips Nation, Alerts Issued

• A severe cold wave is gripping India, with sub-zero temperatures in Kashmir and yellow alerts issued in parts of Odisha.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts the cold spell to continue in central Maharashtra, Marathwada, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh until December 13.
• Kashmir Valley is experiencing harsh winter conditions, with Srinagar recording a minimum temperature of –2.9 degrees Celsius.
• Himachal Pradesh's Rohtang Pass has been closed due to the worsening cold wave, halting vehicular movement.
• IMD attributes the extreme cold to a strengthened polar vortex and the intensifying effect of La Niña.

Why It Matters: India's severe cold wave threatens health, travel, and daily life nationwide.