Improvement in Minimum Temperatures Across Kashmir Offers Slight Relief from Winter Chill
As Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day phase of winter, progresses into its 5th week in Kashmir, there has been a noticeable improvement in minimum temperatures across the region on Monday, providing some respite from the cold spell. The Meteorological Department (MeT) officials have, however, cautioned that fresh snowfall is expected later this week due to the influence of approaching Western Disturbances.
Temperature Changes in Key Areas
In Srinagar, the minimum temperature rose to minus 1.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, a significant increase from the previous day’s minus 4.7 degrees Celsius. Similarly, Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, up from minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam saw an improvement to minus 1.8 degrees Celsius from minus 6 degrees Celsius.
North Kashmir also experienced a rise in temperatures, with Kupwara at minus 1.6 degrees Celsius compared to minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, and Baramulla recording minus 1.4 degrees Celsius, up from minus 4.4 degrees Celsius. Bandipora also witnessed a temperature increase, settling at minus 1.4 degrees Celsius from Sunday’s minus 5 degrees Celsius.
Despite these improvements, some areas still face intense cold conditions. Pulwama recorded the lowest temperature in Kashmir at minus 5.1 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than the previous day. Shopian and Anantnag also saw temperature increases, while Gulmarg and Sonamarg reported varying minimum temperatures.
At Srinagar Airport, the minimum temperature rose to minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, easing cold conditions for flight operations. Ganderbal and Sopore also registered temperature improvements.
Regional Temperature Trends
In Jammu city, the minimum temperature rose to 7.3 degrees Celsius on Monday from 5.5 degrees Celsius the day before. In Ladakh, Leh recorded a minimum temperature of minus 8 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than the previous day.
Upcoming Weather Patterns
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings about potential Western Disturbances affecting J&K later in the week. An intense system is expected between January 22 and 24, followed by a moderate system from January 26 to 28. These disturbances could bring rain and snowfall across the region, with heavy precipitation in certain areas.
IMD has advised caution as the weather may disrupt road and air traffic, especially along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. Meteorological officials attribute the rise in night temperatures to increasing cloud cover ahead of the approaching Western Disturbance, although cold conditions are likely to persist.
