Srinagar, Jan 09: Kashmir experienced a return of cold wave conditions on Thursday as temperatures dropped several degrees below freezing, with the region’s winter chill tightening its grip. The Meteorological Department has forecasted mainly dry weather in the Himalayan region until January 16, officials reported.
The winter season in Kashmir has been marked by two major snowfall spells, causing freezing nights across the Valley. However, over the past three days, daytime temperatures in Srinagar have been notably warmer, registering 1.9 degrees above the normal for this time of year.
Director of the Meteorological Department Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, stated that dry weather is expected to continue until January 16, with a weak western disturbance (WD) approaching on January 11. He indicated that under the influence of these WDs, generally cloudy weather with light rain and snow could occur in isolated middle and higher reaches of the region.
“Weather will remain mostly dry and clear from January 12 to 14. From January 15 to 16, we expect cloudy conditions with light snowfall in isolated to scattered areas,” Dr. Mukhtar added. He further warned that cold wave conditions would persist in some areas and advised tourists, travelers, and transporters to follow traffic advisories.
Dr. Mukhtar also noted that dense fog and cold day conditions would likely continue until January 16 over the plains of the Jammu division.
Meanwhile, minimum temperatures across Kashmir plummeted several degrees below freezing on Thursday, as clear skies allowed cold conditions to tighten their hold over the Valley. In Pahalgam, the mercury dropped to minus 10.4 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in the region, compared to minus 8.2 degrees the previous night. Srinagar’s minimum temperature settled at minus 4.4 degrees Celsius, down from the previous night’s 1 degree Celsius.
Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 9.6 degrees Celsius, marginally up from the previous night’s minus 9.8 degrees, it said.
Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley, and Konibal in Pampore town logged an identical low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, it added.
Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, while at Kokernag in south Kashmir, the mercury settle at minus 5.6 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, during the past 24 hours, the traffic on Srinagar-Jammu highway remain normal and traffic was plying form both sides. On Friday subject to fair weather and better road conditions LMVs Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz from Jammu towards Srinagar.
On Srinagar-Leh road, one way traffic for LMVs followed by HMVs (upto 06 tyres) with Anti-skid chains from Srinagar towards Kargil shall be allowed. 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, the spokesman said.
The Mughal Road and Bhaderwah-Chamba roads are still closed due to snow accumulation.
