Kashmir Faces Plunge in Temperatures as Snowfall Expected
Minimum Temperatures Plunge Across Kashmir; Western Disturbances Likely to Bring Snowfall
Srinagar, Jan 22: Cold conditions gripped Kashmir on Thursday, with minimum temperatures dipping across most parts of the valley. Officials warned that a western disturbance expected later in the day could bring fresh snowfall, including in the plains.
The mercury in Srinagar fell to minus 3.4°C, a drop of one degree from the previous night. Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district was the coldest recorded location at minus 6.1°C, down from minus 5.5°C, while the ski hub of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded minus 4°C. Pahalgam in south Kashmir, a key base for the annual Amarnath Yatra, saw temperatures fall to minus 4.4°C. Qazigund, Kokernag, and Kupwara recorded lows of minus 3.8°C, minus 2.6°C, and minus 3.7°C, respectively.
Officials said two strong western disturbances are likely to impact Jammu and Kashmir this week. The first is expected on Thursday, with the second forecast for January 26. These systems could trigger widespread light to moderate rainfall or snowfall across the valley, including in the plains and Srinagar. The main activity of these disturbances is anticipated on January 23 and January 27.
The approaching weather systems may also disrupt surface and air traffic in the region. Kashmir is currently experiencing ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, the 40-day period of extreme cold that began on December 21, during which night temperatures frequently fall below freezing. This phase, ending on January 30, is considered the peak period for winter snowfall in the valley. While higher reaches have seen intermittent snow, the plains have remained largely snowless so far this winter.
