More snow expected in Valley as Srinagar shivers at -3°C
After two days of less harsh night temperatures, a cold wave returned to Kashmir Valley and Srinagar city recorded minus 3.2 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature on Monday.
Jammu division recorded a visible improvement in the weather as the minimum temperature in Jammu city was 9.6 degrees. Srinagar city had minus 3.2 degrees, Gulmarg ski resort minus 5.4 and Pahalgam minus 6.4 as the minimum temperature.
Jammu city had 9.6 degrees, Mata Vaishno Devi base camp town Katra 10.2, Batote 3.9, Banihal 0.7 and Bhaderwah 2 degrees as the night’s lowest temperature.
A Meteorological (MeT department statement said, “On January 20 and 21, generally cloudy sky with possibility of light rain/ snow at scattered places. On January 22, generally cloudy sky with the possibility of light to moderate rain (Plains of Jammu)/snow at many places. Higher reaches of Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal Range may also receive light to moderate snow. On January 23, generally cloudy sky with the possibility of light rain (Plains of Jammu)/snow at scattered places.”
“Between January 24 and 28, generally dry weather. From January 29 to 31, generally a cloudy sky with light rain/snow at isolated places,” the MeT department further added..
The department issued an advisory saying that the “tourists/travellers/transporters are advised to follow the Admin/Traffic advisory”.
The 40-day long period of harsh winter cold called the ‘Chillai Kalan’ started on December 21 and will end on January 30 after which the weather will start improving gradually in the Valley till the Spring season begins.
Doctors have cautioned children and elderly people not to expose themselves to extreme cold for long as this results in constriction of blood vessels. Doctors said that international research has shown that constriction of blood vessels causes myocardial infarction that results in heart attack and heart failure. It is to protect themselves from such exposure to extreme cold that locals wear loose tweed overgarments called the ‘Pheran’. An earthen firepot woven in a basket of willow wicker called the ‘Kangri’ is filled with ember and kept under the Pheran to provide instant warmth to the body.
Meanwhile, The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast three day wet weather starting Monday, with rainfall in the plains and snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials said the Union Territory may experience varying intensities of precipitation during this period, with a significant impact expected in certain areas.
The plains largely experienced dry weather on Sunday, but light rain or snowfall is expected over the higher reaches, including mountainous areas during the night. On Monday and Tuesday, the MeT department has forecast light to moderate rain in the plains and widespread snowfall across many parts of J&K. Key areas, such as the higher reaches of the Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal Range, are likely to receive light to moderate snowfall.
Additionally, another spell of light to moderate rainfall in the plains and snow in the higher reaches is expected to continue through January 23.
The wet weather may disrupt normal life in certain areas, particularly in the areas prone to road closures due to snowfall. Authorities have been advised to monitor weather conditions closely and take preventive measures.
The night temperatures across the Kashmir Valley showed a slight improvement at most weather stations, although they remained below freezing.
Srinagar, the summer capital recorded a minimum temperature of -1°C on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, which was 1°C above the normal for this time of year.
Gulmarg, the ski resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district remained the coldest place in the valley with a low of -7.8°C. This marked an improvement from the previous night’s -8.2°C and was still 2.4°C above normal.
Pahalgam recorded a low of -3°C, improving from the previous night’s -3.4°C. This temperature was 3.3°C above the normal for this tourist destination.
Kupwara, the frontier district of Kupwara experienced a dip in temperatures, recording -2.6°C compared to -1.3°C the previous night. Despite the drop, this was 0.3°C above normal for the season.
Kokernag in south Kashmir spot registered a minimum temperature of -3.4°C, slightly colder than the previous night’s -2.8°C. It was 0.1°C above the normal temperature for this time of year.
Qazigund, located on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, Qazigund recorded a low of -2.8°C, improving slightly from -2.5°C the previous night. This temperature was 0.3°C above normal for the gateway to Kashmir.
The wet weather is expected to bring challenges, particularly in the form of road closures and travel disruptions in snow-prone areas. The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, may face disruptions due to landslides triggered by rainfall or snow accumulation.
The authorities have urged travelers to stay updated on weather conditions and take precautions while venturing into higher altitudes. Farmers have also been advised to take measures to protect crops and livestock from adverse weather.
