Cold wave conditions have eased slightly across Jammu and Kashmir following fresh snowfall in the higher reaches, resulting in a modest rise in minimum temperatures in the plains over the past few days.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast moderate to heavy snowfall in the Union Territory in the coming days, although no major weather system has affected the region so far.
“Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, down from minus 1.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, while Srinagar International Airport settled at minus 4.4 degrees Celsius,” the MeT said.
The prolonged dry spell and intense cold have caused several water bodies in the Valley to freeze, with night temperatures remaining consistently below freezing.
Health officials continue to advise residents against venturing outdoors during the early morning hours, warning that the biting cold breeze may worsen chest and respiratory ailments.
According to the MeT, cold wave conditions persist at most weather stations across the north, south and central parts of the Kashmir Valley.
In contrast, minimum temperatures in the Jammu region have stayed above normal at most stations, including Jammu city, Katra, Reasi, Udhampur and the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
Jammu airport recorded the warmest temperature at 7.6 degrees Celsius, while Sonamarg remained the coldest location overall with minus 6.2 degrees Celsius.
The Kashmir Valley is now in the final phase of Chillai-Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period traditionally marked by heavy snowfall. However, a continuing deficit in rainfall and snowfall in the plains has raised serious concerns among the farming community.
Meanwhile, fresh snowfall was reported on Friday in higher reaches, including popular tourist spots such as Gurez, Drass, Zojila, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Doodpathri, where most areas received light to moderate snow.
The MeT office in Srinagar has forecast fresh rain and snowfall from January 19 to 23 across widespread areas, including the plains.
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