Temperatures plummet

Srinagar, Jan 1: The cold conditions in Kashmir have intensified with the Valley preparing for two back-to-back Western Disturbances expected to bring snowfall in the coming days.

According to the Meteorological Department, the first disturbance, described as “feeble”, will affect Jammu and Kashmir from tonight, bringing light snow at scattered locations from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning.

The second, more significant disturbance, is predicted to bring widespread snowfall from January 3 to 6, with peak activity anticipated between January 4 and 6.

Heavy snowfall is expected in higher altitudes during this period.

Kashmir is currently in the grip of ‘Chillai Kalan’, the harshest 40-day period of winter that started on December 21.

The freezing temperatures across Kashmir have further tightened the grip of winter.

Gulmarg skiing resort in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 8.8 degrees Celsius, a slight reprieve from the previous night’s minus 11.5 degrees Celsius.

Pahalgam health resort in south Kashmir registered a minimum temperature of minus 7.6 degrees Celsius, marginally higher than the previous night’s minus 8.4 degrees Celsius.

Srinagar saw its temperature dip to minus 4.4 degrees Celsius, down from minus 3.5 degrees Celsius recorded the previous night.

Other parts of Kashmir also experienced freezing temperatures.

Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius, while Konibal in Pampore registered minus 7.5 degrees Celsius.

In north Kashmir, Kupwara recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.3 degrees Celsius.

In south Kashmir, Kokernag recorded minus 5.8 degrees Celsius.

In the Jammu region, temperatures also dipped.

Jammu City recorded a minimum temperature of 8.4 degrees Celsius, while Banihal registered minus 1.3 degrees Celsius, Batote 2.5 degrees Celsius, Katra 5.7 degrees Celsius, Kishtwar 2.9 degrees Celsius, Padder minus 5.0 degrees Celsius, Poonch 4.2 degrees Celsius, Rajouri 4.5 degrees Celsius, Samba 7.9 degrees Celsius, Kathua 9.4 degrees Celsius, Reasi 7.9 degrees Celsius, and Udhampur 6.2 degrees Celsius.

In Ladakh, Leh recorded a minimum temperature of minus 8.2 degrees Celsius, Kargil minus 14.4 degrees Celsius, and Drass recorded a frigid minus 18.3 degrees Celsius.