Minimum temperatures increase amid forecast of rain snow

Srinagar, Jan 25: Night temperatures in Kashmir witnessed an increase on Thursday while the Meteorological Department forecasted isolated to scattered light rain and snowfall over J&K in the coming days.

The MeT office issued an advisory for the weather system expected from January 28 to 31, warning of potential road closures in higher reaches and vital passes like Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna Pass, Razdan Pass, and Zojila Pass.

“Travellers are advised to plan accordingly,” the MeT officials said.

On February 1, the possibility of light rain and snow at scattered places is anticipated.

In terms of temperatures, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius compared to minus 5.3 degrees Celsius the previous night, standing 1.3 degrees Celsius below the normal for this time of the year.

Qazigund noted a minimum of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, showing a slight increase from the previous night.

Pahalgam reported a low of minus 6.3 degrees Celsius, consistent with the previous night, while Kokernag recorded a minimum of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius.

Kupwara town registered a low of minus 2.9 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg marked minus 4.5 degrees Celsius, both slightly higher than the previous night.

Jammu recorded a minimum of 4.1 degrees Celsius, down from 2.3 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Banihal recorded a low of minus 1.4 degrees Celsius, Batote 2.1 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah minus 0.4 degrees Celsius.

Kashmir is currently experiencing Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harsh period of winter scheduled to end on January 29.

This will be followed by 20-day Chillai Khurd from January 30 to February 18 and 10-day Chillai Bachha from February 19 to February 28.