Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Jan 29: Kashmir continued to experience cold conditions on Thursday, with night temperatures several degrees below freezing at most places, officials said.
According to details, the central Kashmir town of Sonamarg recorded the lowest temperature in the region at minus 11.2 degrees Celsius, down from minus 9.8°C the previous night.
Other tourist and hill stations also recorded low temperatures, with Gulmarg at minus 9°C, Pahalgam at minus 4.5°C, Kupwara at minus 3.5°C, and Qazigund at zero degrees Celsius.
In Srinagar, night temperatures were slightly above seasonal norms, settling at minus 0.6°C, compared to 0.1°C the previous night.
Kokernag recorded a low of minus 0.6°C. Officials said this reflects a relatively warmer night for the valley’s summer capital.
The Meteorological Department noted that the ‘Chillai-Kalan’ period of extreme cold, which began on December 21, is nearing its end on January 30.
This 40-day phase is traditionally the coldest period of winter, often accompanied by heavy frost and snowfall in higher reaches.
Even after Chillai-Kalan ends, cold weather is expected to continue. It will be followed by a 20-day ‘Chillai Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day ‘Chillai Bachha’ (baby cold) phase, officials said. The weather is likely to remain cloudy but dry until January 31.
A fresh western disturbance is expected to affect the region from February 1, which could bring renewed snowfall and wet conditions across Kashmir, the Met Department added.
Meanwhile, the MeT department said the weather would remain generally dry till the evening of January 31, followed by cloudy conditions with light to moderate rain or snow at scattered to fairly widespread places on February 1 and 2.
“From February 3 to 6, partly cloudy conditions are expected,” the MeT office added.
The Jammu and Kashmir UT Disaster Management Authority (JKUTDMA) on Wednesday issued a weather advisory warning travellers and residents in higher reaches of the region to exercise caution.
It warned that an avalanche with a medium danger level is likely above 2,400 metres in Bandipora over the next 24 hours.
Residents and visitors were advised not to venture into snowbound, sloppy, or avalanche-prone areas and to follow official instructions.
Travellers and transporters were urged to check road and highway conditions with concerned traffic authorities before undertaking journeys. For emergencies, the public has been advised to dial 112.
