Snow Hits Kashmir; More Snowfall Expected, Check New Forecast
Snow Hits Kashmir; More Snowfall Expected, Check New Forecast
Srinagar, February 1: The Kashmir Valley experienced the season’s initial heavy snowfall, with significant accumulations of over one foot reported in various districts, according to officials on Thursday.
A meteorological department spokesperson in Srinagar informed that in the past 24 hours until 0830 hours, the middle and higher reaches of districts including Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Badgam, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Shopian received between 10 to 15 inches of snow.
Lower areas and plains across North, North-western, and South Kashmir recorded 6-8 inches of snow during the same period.
Central Kashmir, including Srinagar, witnessed a light snow cover, with meteorological data indicating accumulations of 2-4 inches.
Additionally, light to moderate rain with thunder occurred in Jammu Division, accompanied by light snow in some middle and higher reaches.
Regarding the forecast, cloudy weather with light snow in a few areas is expected until afternoon today (February 1), followed by gradual improvement. On February 2nd, the weather is anticipated to be generally dry, with the possibility of very light snow in isolated higher reaches.
From February 3rd to 4th, light to moderate snowfall and rain (in Jammu) are forecasted in many areas of Jammu and Kashmir, followed by generally dry conditions from February 5th to 12th.
Night temperatures have dropped across the region, with Srinagar recording a low of 0.2°C compared to the previous night’s 2.2°C. Similarly, Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 0.4°C, Pahalgam at minus 4.1°C, and Kokernag at minus 1.4°C.
In north Kashmir, Kupwara town reported a low of minus 0.7°C, while Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 7.6°C. Jammu, on the other hand, registered a minimum of 7.2°C, below normal by 1.2°C for the winter capital of J&K.
Other areas such as Banihal, Batote, and Bhaderwah also experienced varying minimum temperatures.
As the 40-day harsh winter period known as ‘Chillai-Kalan’ concluded on January 29, Kashmir is currently in the midst of the 20-day-long ‘Chillai-Khurd’ period, followed by the 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) period starting from February 20 to March 1.
