J&K faces intensifying cold: Met dept warns of potential snowfall

Jammu and Kashmir continues to grapple with a severe cold wave as the minimum temperatures in the region have plummeted further, signaling the intensity of winter. Weather forecasts from the meteorological department suggest the likelihood of a wet spell from January 25 to February 1, bringing a mix of rain and snow to different parts of the Union Territory.

According to a meteorological department official, the prevailing weather is expected to remain dry until January 24. However, starting from January 25-26, generally cloudy weather with light snow is anticipated at isolated higher reaches, affecting the higher-altitude areas.

As we move into January 27-28, the weather is expected to be generally cloudy with the possibility of light rain or snow over scattered places. The forecast for January 29-31 indicates the likelihood of light to moderate rain or snow at many places across Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, scattered places may experience light rain or snow on February 1.

The meteorological department has also issued a warning about moderate to dense fog and a decrease in daytime temperatures over the plains of Jammu division during the next two days, affecting visibility and creating challenging conditions for transportation.

Night temperatures across various locations in Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed a drop. In Srinagar, the minimum temperature recorded was minus 5.3°C, while Qazigund reported minus 5.2°C. Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 6.9°C, Kokernag at minus 2.6°C, Kupwara at minus 6.0°C, and Gulmarg at minus 4.0°C.

In Jammu, the minimum temperature was recorded at 5.0°C, while Banihal reported minus 1.0°C, Batote at 2.2°C, and Bhaderwah at minus 0.2°C.
The Kashmir valley is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the 40-day harsh winter period that traditionally concludes on January 29.

Following this, the region will enter a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ between January 30 and February 19, followed by a 10-day-long period of ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) from February 20 to March 1.