The News Craving
Srinagar:
The Kashmir Valley is preparing for more snowfall as two consecutive Western Disturbances (WDs) are set to impact Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and nearby areas starting January 1, according to the Meteorological Department.
While dry weather is expected to continue until the end of December, a weak Western Disturbance is anticipated to bring light snowfall to scattered areas from the evening of January 1 to the morning of January 2.
From January 3-6, a stronger WD is likely to affect J&K, resulting in generally cloudy skies with light to moderate snowfall across many parts of the Kashmir Division and scattered areas in the Jammu Division.
The weather office has also issued a cold wave advisory for isolated places on December 30 and 31.
Due to anticipated snowfall and freezing temperatures, icy road conditions are expected in both plains and higher altitudes. “Tourists, travelers, and transporters are advised to adhere to administrative and traffic advisories,” a Met official said. He also noted the possibility of moderate to heavy snowfall in isolated and higher regions during January 3-6.
Temperature Overview:
- Srinagar recorded a low of -0.2°C, an improvement from the previous night’s -1.0°C and 2.4°C above the seasonal average.
- Qazigund saw a low of -0.4°C compared to -0.6°C the night before, 2.3°C above normal.
- Pahalgam dropped to -8.0°C, significantly colder than the previous night’s -2.8°C and 5.2°C below normal.
- Kokernag registered -1.8°C, slightly lower than -1.5°C the previous night but still 0.9°C above normal.
- Gulmarg recorded a low of -8.5°C, colder than the previous night’s -5.0°C and 2.6°C below normal.
- Kupwara recorded -1.0°C, slightly warmer than the previous night’s -1.2°C but 2.0°C above average.
In the Jammu region:
- Jammu recorded a low of 6.1°C, down from 10.3°C the previous night and 1.0°C below normal.
- Other readings included Banihal (0.8°C, 1.1°C below normal), Batote (-2.0°C, 4.6°C below normal), Katra (5.0°C, 1.3°C below normal), and Bhadarwah (-5.0°C, 4.8°C below normal).
Harsh Winter Period Continues:
Kashmir is under the influence of Chillai-Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period that began on December 21. This phase is followed by Chillai-Khurd (a 20-day period from January 30 to February 19) and Chillai-Bachha (a 10-day period from February 20 to March 1).
(GNS)