SRINAGAR: The weatherman has predicted snowfall at most places in Jammu and Kashmir, with “peak activity” expected from the night of January 4 to the early hours of January 5 and continuing until Monday morning.
A meteorological department official said that there is a possibility of “heavy snow” over the middle and higher reaches of Kashmir, as well as the Chenab Valley, during this period.
“Generally cloudy weather is expected with light to moderate rain (in the plains of Jammu) and snow at most places in JK, with peak activity from the night of January 4 to late night on January 5 and into the morning of January 6,” the official said. He added that an improvement in weather conditions is expected from the afternoon of January 6.
From January 7-10, he said that generally cloudy and dry weather is expected. Similarly, he mentioned that generally cloudy weather with light snow is expected at isolated to scattered places from January 11-12. He also noted that generally dry weather is expected from January 13 onwards.
“There is a possibility of heavy snow over the middle and higher reaches of Kashmir and the Chenab Valley during the night of January 4 to late night on January 5 and into the morning of January 6,” he said.
He also mentioned that the weather system was likely to cause temporary disruptions to surface and air transportation, particularly on January 5.
“Tourists, travellers, and transporters are advised to plan accordingly and follow administrative and traffic advisories,” he added.
Srinagar recorded a low of minus 1.6°C, which was 0.8°C above normal.
Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of minus 6.6°C, which was 3.6°C below normal for the gateway town of the Valley.
Pahalgam, he reported, recorded a low of minus 2.6°C, which was 3.3°C above normal for the famous tourist resort in Anantnag district. Kokernag recorded a low of minus 5.8°C, and Kupwara recorded minus 2.2°C.
Jammu recorded a low of 8.7°C, Banihal 3.0°C, Batote 6.5°C, Katra 11.2°C, and Bhadarwah 3.0°C.
Kashmir is currently experiencing Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day long harsh winter period that began on December 21. This is followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’, which occurs between January 30 and February 19, and a 10-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) from February 20 to March 1. (GNS)
