The Indian meteorological department on Thursday predicted scattered to widespread rains and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days. The Kashmir Valley experienced a rise in night temperatures due to a cloud cover on Wednesday, with Srinagar city recording a minimum temperature of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius, up from the previous night's minus 5.3 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department has forecast generally cloudy weather in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, with the possibility of light snow in isolated higher reaches towards the night. Friday may witness light rain in the plains and scattered light snow in the early morning at higher altitudes. On Saturday, the weather is expected to remain cloudy, with the likelihood of light snow in isolated higher reaches by late evening. Subsequently, from Sunday to Wednesday, light to moderate rain and snow are anticipated over widespread areas.
Additionally, there are prospects of light rain and snow in some places on February 1 and 2. The weather system could result in the temporary closure of roads in higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan passes, and Zojila Pass, particularly from January 28-31.
The night temperatures across the Kashmir Valley have seen improvement due to the prevailing cloud cover. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday night. Pahalgam in south Kashmir registered a minimum temperature of minus 6.3 degrees Celsius, Qazigund at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg at minus 4.5 degrees Celsius. Kokernag town settled at minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara recorded a low of minus 3.7 degrees Celsius.
Kashmir has been experiencing an unusually dry and mostly snowless winter, leading to freezing nights and warmer daytime temperatures. December witnessed a 79 percent rainfall deficit, and the first three weeks of January saw no precipitation in most parts of the valley. While most plain areas of Kashmir have seen no snowfall, the upper reaches have received less than the usual amount.
The region is currently in the grip of "Chilla-i-Kalan," a 40-day harsh winter period characterised by a cold wave that causes a significant drop in temperatures, leading to the freezing of water bodies and pipes.
Although 'Chilla-i-Kalan' is set to conclude on January 31, the cold conditions are expected to persist during the subsequent 20-day 'Chilla-i-Khurd' (small cold) and the subsequent 10-day 'Chilla-i-Bachha' (baby cold).
As the dry spell continues, concerns about the impact on water bodies and agricultural activities in the region are on the rise. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation, especially with the potential disruption of transportation routes and the closure of vital passes in the coming days.
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