Srinagar, Jan 06: Srinagar experienced a further drop in temperature amidst the ongoing dry spell across Kashmir, reaching a record low of minus 5.4 degrees Celsius. This marks the coldest temperature of the season in the region so far, according to officials.
The mercury continued to stay below freezing point during the 40-day harshest winter period known as Chillai Kalan. Pahalgam recorded the coldest temperature at minus 6.3 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara in north Kashmir registered a low of minus 5.4 degrees Celsius. Qazigund reported a minimum temperature of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg, a renowned ski resort, recorded a low of minus 4.5 degrees Celsius, and in Kokernag, the mercury settled at minus 2.9 degrees Celsius.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Indian Meteorological Department in Srinagar, mentioned that dry weather is expected until January 8th, with generally cloudy conditions and dry weather over the plains. He added that on January 9th, the weather would be generally cloudy over the plains with the possibility of light snow over isolated extreme higher reaches. No significant weather activity is expected until January 14th.
Dr. Mukhtar also noted that there is moderate to dense fog over the plains of Jammu in the next 2 days.
Kashmir is currently in the midst of ‘Chillai Kalan,’ a 40-day period marked by the harshest weather conditions and the highest likelihood of snowfall. This period started on December 21 and will conclude on January 30. It will be followed by a persisting cold wave, extending for an additional 20 days known as ‘Chillai Khurd,’ followed by a subsequent 10-day period referred to as ‘Chillai Bachha.’
Meanwhile, traffic along the 270-kilometer Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained normal on Monday, and vehicles were allowed from both sides to move to their respective destinations. A traffic spokesman mentioned that, contingent upon fair weather and favorable road conditions, both Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) would be permitted from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). Commuters were urged to adhere to lane discipline.
The vehicular movement on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road would be permitted from both directions—Srinagar to Kargil and vice versa. Simultaneously, vehicular movement on the Mughal road would be permitted from both directions—Poonch to Shopian and vice versa. Vehicles would be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) between 1000 hrs and 1500 hrs, pending a green signal from road agencies.
