Kashmir Weather Update: Snowfall and Cold Temperatures Grip the Valley
Over the past few days, Kashmir experienced heavy snowfall, gusty winds, and rain, leading to a significant drop in temperatures across the region. However, there has been a slight improvement in the weather conditions on Saturday, with night temperatures still below freezing point, according to officials.
The higher reaches of Kashmir received intermittent snowfall and rain until late Friday night, while most parts of the valley, including Srinagar, witnessed the first snowfall of the season. In the last 24 hours, moderate to heavy snowfall was reported in many areas, especially in the higher altitudes, with lighter snowfall in the plains.
Although the weather has improved since Saturday morning, the Meteorological Department has forecasted light rain and snow at isolated places over the weekend. Another western disturbance is expected to impact Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, bringing the possibility of light to moderate rain/snow in most areas.
From Monday night to Tuesday forenoon, heavy spells of snowfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds may occur at a few places. Following this, the weather is likely to remain mainly dry but partly cloudy until February 3.
During the recent cold spell, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 1.4 degrees Celsius, with flight operations at the Srinagar airport resuming after snow clearance from the runway. Gulmarg was the coldest place in the region at minus 12.0 degrees Celsius, followed by Sonamarg at minus 10.5 degrees Celsius and Pahalgam at minus 7.6 degrees Celsius.
Other areas such as Qazigund, Kokernag, and Kupwara also experienced sub-zero temperatures. The Kashmir Valley is currently in the midst of ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, a 40-day period known for extreme cold and frequent snowfall. This period, which began on December 21, is expected to end on January 30.
