Fresh Snowfall in Kashmir Amid Cold Wave; Most Areas Record Sub-Zero Temperatures

Srinagar (Kashmir): Amid an ongoing cold wave, the Kashmir Valley experienced fresh snowfall on Thursday. The Meteorological Department has forecast more rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir due to two consecutive western disturbances passing through the region. Tourists, travelers, and transporters have been advised to follow administrative and traffic guidelines due to the fresh snowfall, sub-zero temperatures, and icy conditions in the plains and higher altitudes.

According to the Meteorological Department, light snowfall with generally cloudy skies is expected in some high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir on January 3. From January 4 to 6, a moderate to strong western disturbance is likely to bring light to moderate rain in the plains of Jammu and snowfall in most parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Maximum activity is expected between the night of January 4 and late night on January 5, with an improvement forecast from the afternoon of January 6. Dry weather with partly cloudy skies is expected from January 7 to 10. Tourists, travelers, and transporters are again urged to heed administrative and traffic advisories under these conditions.

The department has predicted heavy snowfall in some high-altitude areas from January 4 to 6. On Thursday, the minimum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at -2.6°C, Gulmarg at -8.6°C, and Pahalgam at -4°C. Jammu City recorded a minimum temperature of 7.4°C, Katra 9°C, Batote 4.6°C, Banihal 2.9°C, and Bhaderwah 1.6°C.

The harsh 40-day winter period, known as ‘Chillai Kalan,’ began on December 21 and will continue until January 30. Special precautions have been advised for children and the elderly to protect them from the intense cold during this period.