Cold wave conditions have persisted across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, despite an earlier forecast of possible rain and snowfall in late December, officials said.
Minimum temperatures across the Kashmir Valley have been hovering at or below the freezing point since the rainfall and snowfall reported last week, ending a months-long dry spell.
According to the MeT office in Srinagar, “The summer capital recorded minus 0.2 degrees Celsius on Thursday night.”
Minimum temperatures across most weather stations in the Kashmir Valley recorded a slight dip on Thursday, though the dense fog that had enveloped the valley has now disappeared.
Jammu city remained the warmest place, with 10 degrees Celsius, while Sonamarg was the coldest place, with minus 4.7 degrees Celsius. The cold wave has persisted across the region after a 40-day harsh winter period (Chillai-Kalan), which commenced last Sunday.
The Met office has forecasted dry and cold weather to continue across Jammu and Kashmir, with a possibility of moderate rain and snowfall over the higher reaches until December 31.
The prolonged dry spell, previously accompanied by dense fog, had exacerbated the hardships for common people in Kashmir. Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport have continued smoothly amid clear skies and dry weather.
Chillai-Kalan, running from December 21 to January 31, is the coldest phase of winter and is vital for replenishing water bodies through snowfall on mountaintops and in forests.
This precipitation supports summer water supplies, horticulture, and agriculture in the region.
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