Cold wave grips Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 11: Following a significant drop in temperatures, Shopian in south Kashmir shivered at minus 8.0°C, followed by Pahalgam at -7.6°C. Qazigund and Gulmarg have both dipped to -6.5°C. The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecasted an intense cold wave over the next three days across the region.
Director MeT’ Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that cold weather conditions are expected to persist until January 16.
“After this period, another spell of snowfall and rain is expected. The minimum temperatures will continue to fall, daytime temperatures will rise until the 16th. The region is also likely to experience moderate to dense fog in Jammu’s plains during this time,” he said.
Dr Mukhtar said that on January 12, the weather will remain generally cloudy in the morning with improvement expected thereafter. From January 13 to 15, the weather will be mainly clear and dry. However, there is a possibility of snowfall in higher reaches on January 15-16,” Dr. Mukhtar added.
According to MeT data, Srinagar has recorded a temperature of -3.6°C, with Qazigund and Gulmarg both at -6.5°C. Pahalgam remains colder at -7.6°C, while Shopian is the coldest at -8.0°C.
Other areas in the valley, such as Kupwara, Kukarnaag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Pulwama, Anantnag, and Kulgam, are experiencing temperatures between -2.6°C and -6.6°C.
Meanwhile, Jammu city has recorded a temperature of 7.1°C, with Banihal at 1.2°C and Reasi at 6.1°C. Samba and Kathua have also reported temperatures of 5.3°C and 7.3°C, respectively. In the higher altitudes, Leh is experiencing -12.5°C and Kargil is even colder at -14.5°C.
Kashmir is currently under the grip of Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day weather period when snowfall is most frequent. Chillai Kalan begins on December 21 and ends on January 30. The cold wave continues with a 20-day-long Chillai Khurd followed by a 10-day-long Chillai Bachha.
A traffic police spokesman said that on Sunday, , subject to fair weather and better road conditions, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) will be allowed to travel in both directions on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
However, traffic has been suspended on the Srinagar-Kargil (SSG) road for January 12 and 13 due to inclement weather and ongoing maintenance work on the Kargil-Srinagar National Highway (Zojila Pass). Commuters have been advised to avoid travel on this road until weather conditions improve and maintenance work is completed, he added.