Srinagar, Jan 16: Following the dip in temperatures, Gulmarg on Monday recorded the season’s coldest night at minus 12.0°C, followed by minus 10.2°C in Pahalgam, while the meteorological department has predicted a two-day wet spell between 19-21th January, officials said.
Director MeT, Srinagar Centre, Sonam Lotus told Rising Kashmir that cold weather conditions will continue till Thursday evening and thereafter they were expecting another spell of snowfall and rain in the region.
He said there will be a fall in minimum temperatures and rise in day temperatures till 18th. After that there will be a rise in the minimum temperature. Moderate to dense fog most likely in the plains of Jammu till 18th January, Lotus said.
“From 19th to 21st January there are chances of light rain, and snow over scattered places at higher reaches. After that from Jan 22 to 24th, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain, and snow over plains at most places of J&K,” he said.
Lotus said people living in snowbound areas are once again advised to remain alert and cautious while venturing into areas that are vulnerable to Snow Avalanche.
As per MeT data, the summer capital Srinagar recorded 1.9°C against last night minus 0.6°C. Qazigund recorded a low of minus 5.6°C against minus 0.7°C on the previous night.
Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 10.2°C and Kokernag recorded a low of minus 6.6°C. Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 12.0°C . It was the coldest night so far recorded at a ski resort in north Kashmir.
In Kupwara town, the mercury settled at minus 2.9°C against minus 1.3°C on the previous night.
The dense fog continued to engulf many parts including the city due to which vehicles moved with headlights on during the morning and evening hours.
To mention, Kashmir is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai Kalan’, the 40-day harshest weather period when the chances of snowfall are maximum and most frequent. Chillai Kalan begins on December 21 and ends on January 30. The cold wave continues even after that with a 20-day-long ‘Chillai Khurd’ and a 10-day-long ‘ChillaiBachha’ following it
As per the traffic advisory issued by traffic police headquarters for Tuesday, subject to fair weather and better road condition LMVs (passengers) shall be allowed from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
