Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Jan 30: Despite Chillai Kalan, 40-day harshest winter period, coming to an end, cold wave conditions continued across Kashmir on Friday, with several areas in the Valley and higher reaches recording sub-zero minimum temperatures.
According to the details, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 1.3 degrees Celsius, while the city’s airport registered minus 1.2 degrees Celsius. Tourist resorts Gulmarg and Sonamarg were among the coldest places, recording minus 9.0 degrees Celsius and minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Pahalgam recorded minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, Kupwara minus 3.1 degrees Celsius, and Shopian minus 2.6 degrees Celsius.
Baramulla registered minus 1.4 degrees Celsius, Bandipora minus 0.5 degrees Celsius, Ganderbal minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, and Qazigund minus 0.3 degrees Celsius.
South Kashmir districts also experienced cold conditions, with Anantnag recording 0.3 degrees Celsius, Kulgam 1.1 degrees Celsius, Pulwama 0.1 degrees Celsius, and Beerwah in Budgam minus 2.9 degrees Celsius.
In Jammu, minimum temperatures were relatively higher. Jammu city recorded 9.3 degrees Celsius, Katra 8.4 degrees Celsius, Banihal 1.1 degrees Celsius, Batote 3.2 degrees Celsius, Bhaderwah minus 1.0 degrees Celsius, and Udhampur 3.6 degrees Celsius.
Ladakh recorded extreme cold conditions, with Leh recording minus 10.4 degrees Celsius, Hanle was the coldest at minus 16.0 degrees Celsius, Kargil minus 9.2 degrees Celsius, and Nubra Valley minus 9.3 degrees Celsius.
Officials warned that cold conditions are likely to continue in the coming days. The Meteorological Department (MeT) said feeble western disturbances (WDs) are moving across the region, bringing a possibility of light rain or snowfall, especially in mountainous areas. WDs are expected to affect the region on alternate days over the next ten days.
“There is a possibility of light to moderate snowfall in areas of Ganderbal, Anantnag, and Bandipora districts. Moderate snowfall cannot be ruled out in some locations,” a MeT official said.
He advised farmers to pause irrigation work and warned the public against venturing into avalanche-prone zones.
The IMD forecast for Jammu and Kashmir said light snow is expected at higher reaches on January 30, followed by light to moderate rain or snow with gusty winds in several areas on January 31 and February 1.
Light rain or snow is expected again on February 2-3, with generally dry conditions from February 4-6 and 8-10.
An avalanche advisory with medium danger level has been issued for areas above 2,400 metres in Bandipora for the next 24 hours.
Authorities urged the public to avoid high-risk areas and follow official advisories, and dial 112 in case of emergencies.
