Gulmarg resort in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 3.5°C, showing a significant increase from the previous night’s minus 5.0°C.
Banihal reported an exceptionally high maximum temperature of 23.4°C on Thursday, surpassing the normal January norms by a remarkable 13.1°C and breaking the previous all-time high recorded in 2003.
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 is in the middle of the 40-day intense winter period called ‘Chillai Kalan’ which started on December 21 with sub-zero night temperatures across the region. Kashmir yet to witness snowfall in plains as dry spell deepens, further dipping minimum temperatures in the Himalayan region”
Winter capital, Jammu City experienced unexpected temperature lows, recording a maximum temperature of 8.6 degrees Celsius, marking the 5th all-time lowest maximum temperature in January. This is 9.3 degrees Celsius below the normal level, with the all-time lowest maximum temperature recorded in 1986 at 5°C.
The unprecedented temperature rise is causing concerns across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly regarding reduced snowfall and warmer days, which could potentially lead to a decline in glacier volumes—critical water sources for the region’s rivers and streams.
This unusual temperature surge extends to various parts of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Pahalgam, Qazigund, Kokernag, Kupwara, and Gulmarg, all reporting unusually high temperatures.
The meteorological official anticipates generally dry weather, with a feeble western disturbance approaching on January 17, bringing cloudy conditions and light snow over isolated higher reaches. Subsequently, dry weather is expected from January 18 to 20.
As per Independent Weatherman Aadil Maqbool over the past 35 days, Jammu and Kashmir under prolonged dry weather conditions with cold weather, most of the parts of Jammu and Kashmir received very little amount of rain & snow during 16 & 23 December.
“A prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in forest fires in the region, during the last few days many forests caught fire especially in Manzigam, Kagan Ganderbal, higher reaches of Kokarnaag, and few others.
“December 2023 was the driest month 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%,” he said.
Aadil says that presently Jammu and Kashmir is facing EL Nino effect and due to this effect Western disturbance loses intensity or No Western disturbance formation in the Mediterranean Sea or Caspian Sea and Arabian Sea. As per different weather models, no major Western disturbance is expected until mid-January.
He said a weak western disturbance is expected on Friday, and mostly cloudy skies are expected with a little bit of light snow over higher reaches.
“Few parts of higher reaches, especially higher reaches of north Kashmir can see light snow tomorrow evening/night, additionally there is no forecast of snowfall in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, & Pahalgam (15-25% chances),” Aabid said.
He further said that another western disturbance will likely hit Kashmir on 17th January, overall dry weather is expected till 16th January.
Meanwhile traffic along 270 Kilometres of Jammu-Srinagar National remained normal on Thursday and vehicles were allowed from both sides to move to their respective destinations
A traffic spokesman said on Friday, 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.
Additionally, 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 will 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.
