MeT predicts wet spell from Jan 28 to Feb 3

Srinagar, Jan 27: A day after experiencing light snowfall in the higher reaches, night temperatures in Kashmir witnessed a drop even as the Meteorological Department (MeT) predicted more precipitation in the coming days.

The snowfall on Thursday night in the higher regions of Kashmir brought relief from the prolonged dry spell and initially led to an increase in night temperatures.

However, temperatures dipped once again on Friday night with Gulmarg in north Kashmir recording a low of minus 6.4 degrees Celsius.

According to MeT officials, partly to generally cloudy weather is expected with the possibility of light snow in isolated higher reaches later on Saturday evening.

Over the next two days - January t28 and 29, the forecast includes generally cloudy conditions with fairly widespread light to moderate rain and snow at many places.

Subsequently, from January 30 to 31 and February 1 to 3, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow in many areas.

An advisory has been issued by the weatherman, cautioning that the current weather system might lead to the temporary closure of roads in higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna Pass, Razdan Pass, and Zojila Pass especially during January 28 and 31.

The travellers have been advised to plan accordingly.

On Friday night, Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.3 degrees Celsius, showing a decrease of almost two degrees from the previous night’s reading of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius.

Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.1 degrees Celsius, a significant drop from the earlier temperature of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius.

Other areas also experienced a decline in temperatures with Qazigund at 2.2 degrees Celsius, Kokernag at minus 0.8 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara at minus 2.4 degrees Celsius.

The absence of significant snowfall in the plains of Kashmir and below-average snowfall in the upper regions have raised concerns in various sectors including environment, horticulture, and agriculture.

The dry and mostly snowless winter had resulted in freezing nights and unusually warmer days, with Srinagar at times being warmer than cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Lucknow.

Currently, Kashmir is in the grip of Chillai Kalan, a 40-day harsh winter period characterised by sub-zero temperatures and a cold wave.

This period will conclude on January 29, after which cold conditions will persist during the subsequent 20-day Chillai Khurd till February 18 and the 10-day Chillai Bachha until February 28.

Meanwhile, the administration has issued an alert urging people to avoid travelling over hilly areas from Sunday afternoon.

“There is a possibility of heavy snowfall over the upper reaches of Kashmir,” the advisory stated. “Measurable snow accumulation is possible over most upper reaches of Kashmir.”