Sajid Raina
Kashmir, Dec 18: Minimum temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh fell further on Thursday, as the region approaches the 40-day-long harshest cold period, Chillai Kalan, beginning December 21, coinciding with forecasts of snowfall over Kashmir.
According to the data, several parts of the Kashmir Valley recorded sub-zero temperatures, with Zojila Pass at-17.0°C, Awantipora at-3.8°C, Pulwama at-3.2°C, and Pampore at-1.8°C.
Srinagar registered a minimum of 0.2°C, while Qazigund recorded 0.8°C. In contrast, Gulmarg and Kulgam were relatively warmer at 1.6°C and 2.0°C, respectively.
In Jammu division, Katra was the coldest at 12.1°C, followed by Jammu Airport at 11.5°C and Jammu city at 11.0°C. Banihal and Bhaderwah recorded 5.7°C and 5.0°C, respectively, while Rajouri dipped to 3.0°C.
Ladakh also experienced near-freezing conditions, with Leh recording a temperature of minus 3.4°C.
A comparison with Tuesday’s data indicates a further fall in night temperatures across most areas.
Srinagar fell from minus 1.6°C to 0.2°C, Qazigund rose slightly from minus 3.0°C to 0.8°C, while Pulwama recorded a rise from minus 4.4°C to minus 3.2°C.
Pampore’s minimum climbed from minus 4.0°C to minus 1.8°C, whereas Awantipora slightly warmed from minus 3.2°C to minus 3.8°C.
Jammu region also showed variations, with Jammu city rising from 9.0°C to 11.0°C, Katra from 11.1°C to 12.1°C, and Bhaderwah from 3.4°C to 5.0°C. Leh in Ladakh warmed from minus 6.3°C to minus 3.4°C.
The Meteorological Department has issued an advisory warning of possible moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal, particularly on December 21.
Travellers and transporters have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and follow all traffic and administrative guidelines.
The weather update for Jammu and Kashmir indicates light to moderate snow over higher areas of the Kashmir division and light to moderate rain in many plains on the night of December 20, extending to the evening of December 21.
Scattered light rain or snow is expected on December 22, after which no significant precipitation is forecast until December 31.
Two back-to-back Western Disturbances are likely to affect J&K between Saturday and Tuesday, bringing snowfall to higher reaches and light rainfall in plains, according to independent forecaster Faizan Arif.
Dry and cloudy weather is expected across the Union Territory on Thursday and Friday, while mostly dry conditions will prevail on Saturday (Dec 20). However, a few higher-altitude areas, particularly along the Sonamarg-Drass axis and in Kupwara and Bandipora, may record light snowfall, he said.
The first Western Disturbance is expected to impact the region from Saturday night, with precipitation starting over the higher reaches. The second system is likely to join on Monday (Dec 22) and persist until Tuesday afternoon (Dec 23), prolonging snowfall in north Kashmir, especially in the Kupwara higher reaches. Snowfall in Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Baramulla in the higher elevations is also expected.
Snow accumulation is likely to be light to heavy over elevated areas, while plains may receive light rainfall, with moderate showers in some locations.
“Tourist spots, including Gulmarg and Sonamarg are expected to witness light to moderate snowfall. Dry snow is possible over Kupwara and nearby areas between Monday night and Tuesday morning due to relatively lower temperatures,” he added.
In Jammu division, plains are likely to see mostly cloudy weather with light rain, the middle reaches may receive light to moderate rainfall, and the higher reaches could record light to moderate snowfall.
Faizan Arif noted that overall precipitation is not expected to be high, but cold temperatures could lead to notable snow accumulation above 3,200 metres.
“Flight operations are expected to remain unaffected, air pollution levels are likely to drop, and the risk of forest fires may reduce,” he added.
