SRINAGAR: While the dry spell persisted across the Valley, the night chill has intensified further, with Srinagar recording a low of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius. However, the local weather forecast predicts mainly dry weather until January 7, with the possibility of light snow over isolated extreme higher reaches between January 4-5.
As the 40-day harshest winter period, Chillai-Kalan continues in the valley, the mercury remains below freezing point. Compared to previous nights, the minimum temperature recorded a further dip on Monday.
According to data, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam was the coldest, with the mercury settling at minus 5.7 degrees Celsius. Kupwara in north Kashmir experienced a further dip in mercury, with the minimum temperature settling at minus 4.5 degrees Celsius.
Gulmarg, a renowned ski resort, recorded a low of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius. In the Qazigund and Kokernag areas of South Kashmir, the mercury settled at minus 3.6 degrees Celsius and minus 1.7 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Meanwhile, the local weather forecast predicts a dry spell until January 7. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, mentioned that mainly dry weather is expected until January 3rd. Between January 4-5, generally cloudy conditions with dry weather over plains are anticipated, with a possibility of very light snow over isolated extreme higher reaches.
Furthermore, he stated that the weather would again remain mainly dry from January 6-7. “Overall, no significant weather activity is expected until 7th January,” he added. (KNO)
