• MeT forecasts light snowfall on 21-22 Dec
• Pahalgam records -6.8°C, Anantnag -8.9°C
• Icy roads disrupt morning traffic at various places
Srinagar, Dec 17: Ahead of Chillai-Kalan, the 40 day harsh winter period, cold weather conditions has gripped valley. Srinagar settled at minus 5.3°C and recorded the second coldest night of the season.
The cold wave has resulted in the freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal and Nigeen Lakes, and residential water supply pipes in many areas of the city and other towns of the Valley.
Kashmir region continues to shiver under intense cold conditions, with most places recording sub-zero temperatures. Anantnag and Shopian registered the lowest temperatures at -8.9°C, followed closely by Larnoo at -8.8°C and Pulwama at -8.5°C. Khudwani also experienced extreme cold at -7.1°C, while Sonamarg recorded -7.7°C.
Pahalgam recorded -6.8°C, with Budgam at -6.7°C and Qazigund at -6.0°C. Kupwara and Bandipora reported similar conditions at -5.6°C, while Ganderbal and Kulgam touched -5.8°C and Gulmarg settled at -4.0°C.
Similarly in Jammu region, Padder experienced the lowest temperature at -8.3°C. Banihal recorded -3.4°C, followed by Udhampur at -0.5°C and Bhaderwah at -0.8°C.
Meanwhile, Samba registered 0.5°C, Poonch recorded 0.7°C, and Reasi stood at 1.2°C. Rajouri and Batote reported temperatures of 1.4°C and 1.5°C, respectively.
Jammu city remained relatively warmer at 4.9°C, while Kathua recorded 5.0°C and Katra settled at 6.9°C.
Many roads across Kashmir witnessed disruptions in vehicular traffic during the morning hours due to icy road conditions over important passes and higher reaches.
Meanwhile the Meteorological Department has forecast a continuation of the cold wave, with further drops in night temperatures and persistent foggy conditions until December 20.
Director Meteorological Department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that maximum places in Kashmir are experiencing sub-zero temperatures for an extended period.
“In the coming days, temperatures are likely to decrease further. Foggy conditions may disrupt vehicular and air traffic, particularly during morning and evening hours till 20th December,” he said.
Dr. Mukhtar said they are expecting the possibility of scattered rain and snowfall in the upper reaches of the Valley starting December 21.
Meanwhile dense fog continued to blanket many areas, compelling vehicles to operate with headlights on during morning and evening hours.
As per MeT data, Nov 2024 was driest months as Jammu and Kashmir only influenced 04 weak Western disturbances failing to bring any heavy rain or snow , all districts of Jammu and Kashmir received below normal precipitation deficient ranges between 50%-98%.
Meanwhile during the past 24 hours, there was slow movement observed on NH-44 due to breakdown of HMVs, single lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad and between Marog & Kishtwari Pather
On Srinagar-Jammu highway, subject to fair weather and better road conditions vehicles shall be allowed from both sides and TCU shall liaise with TCU Ramban for road condition.
“Security Forces vehicles shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa,” it said.
On Srinagar-Kargil highway, Subject to fair weather and good road condition, (after getting green signal from Road maintenance agencies) only one way traffic for LMVs followed by HMVs (upto 06 tyres) with Anti-skid chains from Kargil towards Srinagar shall be allowed on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road.
“These vehicles shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar between 1000 hrs. and 1500 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing. Motorists are advised to carry anti-skid chain to gain more grip on the slippery road,” it said.
The advisory further said that vehicular movement on Mughal road shall be allowed only for LMVs from both sides viz. from Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa.
“These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) at 1100 hrs. upto 1500 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing,” it added.
