Weather Alert: Western Disturbances to Hit Kashmir – Snowfall Predicted
Weather Alert: Western Disturbances to Hit Kashmir – Snowfall Predicted
Srinagar, Jan 12: The prolonged dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir has led to a noticeable rise in day temperatures across the region. Banihal, in particular, surpassed its all-time record with a temperature of 23.4°C on the previous day, marking an increase in the maximum temperature by 6-8°C above normal at various stations.
The meteorological department highlighted that historical data from years with prolonged dry spells (2018, 2016, 2015) revealed similar trends in maximum temperatures during such weather patterns.
A meteorological official mentioned, “Due to prolonged dry spells, the maximum temperature at many stations recorded 6-8°C above normal with the highest maximum temperature recorded over Banihal station (23.4°C) on January 11th (Previous all-time record 22.6°C on January 18, 2003).”
In contrast, areas shrouded in dense fog experienced a temperature drop of 9 to 10°C below normal. Jammu, Samba, and Kathua recorded maximum temperatures of 8.6°C, 8.8°C, and 8.9°C on January 11, respectively.
The meteorological department predicts that dry weather is likely to persist until January 20, with weak Western Disturbances expected on January 12th and 17th evening.
“Under the influence of these WDs, generally cloudy weather with light snow over isolated higher reaches is expected,” the official stated, adding that generally dry weather is anticipated from January 18th to 20th.
Visibility is expected to improve slightly, and dense fog is predicted to reduce on January 13 in Jammu. However, cold day conditions are expected to redevelop from January 13 onwards until January 16.
Meanwhile, freezing weather conditions persist in Jammu and Kashmir, with Srinagar recording a low of minus 4.0°C on Thursday.
The meteorological department reported that Srinagar’s minimum temperature of minus 5.0°C on the previous night was 1.9°C below normal for this time of the year.
Other regions, including Qazigund, Pahalgam, Kokernag, Kupwara, Gulmarg, Jammu, Banihal, Batote, and Bhaderwah, also recorded varying temperatures, with Kashmir Valley currently experiencing the ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the 40-day harsh period of winter.
The meteorological department emphasized that while Chillai-Kalan ends on January 30, it does not signal the conclusion of winter, as it is followed by ‘Chillai-Khurd’ and ‘Chillai-Bachha’ periods.
