Srinagar, Jan 16: The winter chill tightens its grip on Kashmir as Srinagar shivers at a bone-chilling minus 4.6°C, marking a drop in the minimum temperature amid the forecast for dry weather. According to a meteorological department official, this temperature is three notches below the previous night’s reading of minus 4.3°C and 2.5°C below the normal for this time of the year in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
Qazigund, a gateway town of Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 4.4°C, slightly lower than the previous night’s minus 4.2°C, with temperatures 1.1°C below normal. Meanwhile, Pahalgam, the renowned resort in south Kashmir, experienced a low of minus 5.44°C, just above normal by 1.8°C compared to the previous night’s minus 5.6°C.
Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, reported a minimum of minus 2.3°C, showing a slight increase from the previous night’s minus 2.0°C, with temperatures above normal by 1.3°C. In north Kashmir, Kupwara town recorded a low of minus 4.4°C, 1.3°C below normal, while Gulmarg, the famous skiing resort, marked a low of minus 3.1°C, 4.6°C above normal.
Jammu, the winter capital of J&K, recorded a minimum of 2.3°C, 4.8°C below normal, while Banihal, Batote, and Bhaderwah registered lows of minus 0.6°C, 3.0°C, and 0.4°C, respectively.
The Kashmir valley is currently in the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the 40-day harsh winter period, scheduled to end on January 29. However, this doesn’t mark the end of winter but transitions into a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ from January 30 to February 19, followed by a 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) from February 20 to March 1.
The Weatherman has ruled out significant weather activity until January 24 in Jammu and Kashmir. The forecast indicates dry weather, with feeble Western Disturbances approaching on the 16th and 20th evenings. The meteorological official mentioned, “Generally cloudy weather with light rain and snow over isolated middle & higher reaches is expected during January 16th & 20th night.” Additionally, there is no significant weather activity anticipated until January 24, with possibilities of light rain and snow at scattered places from January 25-27, as per various models. Further updates will be provided in the coming days.
Amid Dry Weather Forecast, Srinagar Records -4.6°C
