After prolonged dry spell, Kashmir braces for rain, snowfall

Srinagar, Jan 22: As the prolonged dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir is likely to end, skies turned overcast on Thursday with icy winds sweeping through several parts of the Kashmir Valley, intensifying the winter chill.

Meteorological officials said that twin western disturbances are expected to affect the region from Thursday evening, bringing widespread rain and snowfall. The first system is likely to impact Jammu and Kashmir between January 22 and 24, with peak activity on January 23, followed by a second disturbance from the night of January 26 to January 28, peaking on January 27.

Under the influence of both systems, heavy rain and snowfall are likely over the Pir Panjal range, including the Chenab Valley in Jammu division, and the middle and higher reaches of south Kashmir, officials said.

After several days of sunshine and dry weather, thick cloud cover enveloped Srinagar on Thursday, accompanied by cold winds that further lowered temperatures. Similar conditions were reported from north and south Kashmir, indicating the onset of a wet spell.

“Thick clouds covered the skies and icy winds blew for most of the day,” said Mohammad Usman, a resident of Shopian, adding that people in the area were hopeful of good snowfall.

Meanwhile, authorities said preparations were in place to deal with snowfall. Bodh Raj, Chief Engineer, Mechanical and Hospital Engineering Department, Kashmir, said men and machinery were ready for snow clearance operations across the Valley. “The department has around 300 snow clearance machines, and 26 control rooms have been set up. Our staff has been on alert since November 15,” he said.

Minimum temperatures across Kashmir dipped further on Thursday, with most weather stations recording a fall compared to the previous night. Srinagar recorded a low of –3.4°C, down from –2.4°C, while Qazigund and Kupwara registered –3.8°C and –3.7°C, respectively.

South Kashmir witnessed sharper drops, with Pulwama recording –5.8°C and Anantnag –5.3°C. Shopian remained among the coldest places at –5.4°C. In north Kashmir, Bandipora recorded –2.3°C, while Baramulla saw a slight improvement at –0.4°C.

High-altitude tourist resorts continued to reel under sub-zero temperatures, with Gulmarg recording –4.0°C, Sonamarg –6.1°C and Pahalgam –4.4°C.

Jammu, the winter capital, recorded a minimum temperature of 7.2°C, unchanged from the previous night.