Weather Whims of Kashmir: Authorities Mobilize for Snow Clearance as Rainfall Intermittently Kisses the Valley
Higher Reaches Embrace Snow, Plains Drenched in Rain as Minimum Temperatures Hover Above Freezing
Srinagar, 29-01-2024 : In the higher reaches of Kashmir, a recent bout of snowfall has graced many areas, while the plains experienced intermittent rainfall on Monday. Despite the wintry conditions, the minimum temperature across most places in the valley remained above the freezing point, according to officials.
The ski resorts of Gulmarg and Gurez, along with the higher reaches of Kupwara in north Kashmir, witnessed fresh snowfall on Monday. Additionally, the popular Sonamarg tourist resort in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir was also blanketed in a layer of fresh snow. Reports of snowfall in the Zojilla Axis, along the Srinagar-Leh Highway, and in Drass in the Ladakh Union Territory have also surfaced.
In response to the snowy conditions, authorities have deployed personnel and machinery to clear snow from vital roadways, ensuring accessibility. Meanwhile, the plain areas in the valley experienced sporadic rains, contributing to the overall wintry ambiance.
Cloudy skies persisting over the plains in recent days have led to minimum temperatures rising above the freezing point across most parts of Kashmir. Srinagar city, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a low of 3.6 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam, Qazigund, Kokernag, and Kupwara registered minimum temperatures of minus 0.7, 2.0, 0.5, and 1.7 degrees Celsius, respectively. Gulmarg, at minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, was the only location in the valley to experience sub-zero night temperatures.
According to weather forecasts, isolated to scattered light rain/snow is expected over the next 24 hours in Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, there is a possibility of widespread light to moderate rain or snow over the next two days.
The current weather conditions in Kashmir are part of the ‘Chilla-i-Kalan,’ a 40-day harsh winter period characterized by a cold wave that sweeps the region, causing a considerable drop in temperatures. This period is associated with the freezing of water bodies and pipelines. The ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ is expected to conclude on January 31. However, the cold conditions are anticipated to persist beyond this, transitioning into a 20-day ‘Chilla-i-Khurd’ (small cold) followed by a 10-day ‘Chilla-i-Bachha’ (baby cold).
