Kashmir witnesses rise in minimum temperature

Srinagar, Jan 20 : In a departure from the recent trend, minimum temperatures in Kashmir witnessed a slight increase, with Srinagar recording minus 3.7°C on Saturday, officials said.

Srinagar, recorded a higher maximum temperature than Jammu City today, defying typical weather patterns. The data for the day reveals unexpected warmth in Srinagar, highlighting an unusual atmospheric condition in Kashmir amid prolonged dry weather conditions.

The MeT department has predicted light snow at isolated higher reaches on January 25 and light rain and snow over scattered places for the subsequent two days in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Dry weather is likely to continue until January 24, with generally cloudy conditions on the evening of the 20th," the official said.

On January 25, light snow at isolated higher reaches is expected, while from January 26-28, light rain and snow are anticipated over scattered places.

"As per indications from different models, there is the possibility of light to moderate rain/snow at many places, and it is very likely from January 29-31," the official added.

The MeT department also forecasted the redevelopment of moderate to dense fog and a fall in day temperature over Jammu division in the next three days.

Meteorological Department officials here said that Srinagar recorded a rise of 1.2°C compared to the previous nights minus 4.9°C, remaining 1.6°C below the normal for this time of the year in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Qazigund registered a minimum of minus 4.0°C, as opposed to minus 5.0°C on the previous night, with the temperature 0.7°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, officials said.

Pahalgam in Anantnag recorded a low of minus 5.5°C against the previous night's minus 6.3°C, marking a deviation of 1.7°C above normal for the renowned resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 2.0°C compared to the previous night's minus 1.4°C, with the temperature 1.9°C above normal for the area, the officials said.

In Kupwara district of north Kashmir, the minimum temperature dropped to minus 4.7°C from the previous night's minus 5.0°C, indicating a 1.6°C below-normal temperature.

Ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 4.6°C compared to the previous night's minus 3.6°C, with the temperature 3.1°C above normal.

Jammu, the winter capital of J&K, recorded a minimum of 5.9°C against 5.0°C on the previous night, remaining below normal by 1.2°C, as per the meteorological department.

Banihal reported a low of minus 1.4°C, Batote 1.9°C, and Bhaderwah minus 0.4°C, according to the official.

The Kashmir valley is currently under “Chillai-Kalan” , the 40-day harsh period of winter, which is set to end on January 29. However, this does not signify the end of winter, as it is followed by a 20-day-long period called “Chillai-Khurd” between January 30 and February 19, and a 10-day-long period “Chillai-Bachha” (baby cold) from February 20 to March 1.

Srinagar, recorded a higher maximum temperature than Jammu City today, defying typical weather patterns.

This unusual weather phenomenon, where Srinagar records a higher maximum temperature than Jammu, has caught the attention of meteorologists and locals alike. Typically, Jammu experiences milder winters compared to the colder temperatures in Srinagar due to its geographical location.