Second Warm Night in Kashmir Keeps Minimum Temperatures Above Zero
Overcast skies and light snowfall in higher reaches push night temperatures well above seasonal averages ahead of Chillai Kalan
Srinagar, Dec 15: Kashmir witnessed a second consecutive warmer than usual night as minimum temperatures across most parts of the Valley remained above the freezing point, officials said on Monday.
Meteorological officials attributed the rise in night temperatures to overcast skies and a fresh spell of snowfall in some higher reaches on Sunday, which prevented rapid heat loss during the night.
Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 1.9 degrees Celsius, marginally lower than Saturday night’s 2 degrees Celsius but nearly five degrees higher than earlier nights. The temperature was 3.1 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, officials said.
A thick layer of fog enveloped Srinagar and several other parts of the Valley during the early morning hours, particularly in areas near water bodies, according to the Meteorological Department.
In south Kashmir, Qazigund registered a low of 2.2 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag recorded 2.4 degrees Celsius. Kupwara in north Kashmir saw a minimum temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg recorded a low of 1 degree Celsius, while Pahalgam logged 2.2 degrees Celsius.
Awantipora in Pulwama district was the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir, recording a minimum temperature of minus 0.8 degrees Celsius. Shopian was the only other location to dip below freezing, with the mercury settling at minus 0.1 degrees Celsius.
The Valley is gradually approaching ‘Chillai Kalan’, the harshest 40-day winter period beginning December 21, during which temperatures typically fall sharply and snowfall activity increases.
So far, Kashmir has not experienced any major wet spell this winter. The prevailing dry weather has contributed to a rise in seasonal ailments such as cough and common cold. Doctors have advised people, particularly children and the elderly, to take precautions and limit exposure to cold conditions.
The weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy on December 18 and 19. The Meteorological Department has forecast light rain or snowfall at scattered places on December 20 and 21, coinciding with the onset of Chillai Kalan.
