J&K Sees Minor Nighttime Warming, Snow Still Misses Valley Plains
Srinagar records -1.6°C as Valley sees marginal warming; meteorologists warn of limited snowfall during remaining Chillai Kalan period
Srinagar, Jan 7: Jammu and Kashmir experienced a marginal improvement in night temperatures on Wednesday, with Srinagar recording -1.6°C, Gulmarg -7.6°C, and Pahalgam -7.2°C, according to the Meteorological Department. Partial night long cloud cover contributed to the slight warming across the region.
Other towns saw lows of 8.7°C in Jammu, 6.2°C in Katra, 3.1°C in Batote, 2.3°C in Banihal, and -2.6°C in Bhaderwah.
Despite the minor rise in temperatures, the plains of the Valley remain snow free, raising concerns over agriculture, potable water, and fruit production in the upcoming warmer months, which heavily depend on sufficient winter snowfall.
The IMD has forecast that Jammu and Kashmir will continue to experience cold, cloudy, and generally dry weather until January 20, except for light snowfall in higher reaches due to feeble Western Disturbances.
The ongoing ‘Chillai Kalan’, the 40-day period of harsh winter cold that began on December 21, is set to end on January 30. Meteorologists warn that if the Valley does not receive major snowfall during this period, snow in February and March may not significantly benefit the region.
