Kashmir sees slight relief from cold

Srinagar, Jan 15: After days of severe cold, Kashmir experienced a slight uptick in overnight temperatures on Thursday, though forecasters said the relief may be short-lived with snowfall expected later this week.

Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.9 degrees Celsius, up from minus 5.2 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while Qazigund improved to minus 4.7 degrees Celsius from minus 5.3 degrees Celsius and Pahalgam to minus 5 degrees Celsius from minus 6 degrees Celsius.

Kupwara settled at minus 4.9 degrees Celsius, warmer than Wednesday’s minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, and Kokernag at minus 1.1 degrees Celsius compared with minus 2.3 degrees Celsius a day earlier.

Gulmarg recorded minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, up from minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, while Pampore improved to minus 4.6 degrees Celsius from minus 5 degrees Celsius.

Srinagar Airport saw the temperature rise to minus 5 degrees Celsius from minus 6 degrees Celsius, Awantipora to minus 4.8 degrees Celsius from minus 6.4 degrees Celsius, and Budgam to around minus 5.2 degrees Celsius compared with about minus 6.1 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Anantnag recorded a low of minus 5.7 degrees Celsius, up from minus 6.6 degrees Celsius, while Baramulla slipped slightly to minus 2.2 degrees Celsius from minus 1.8 degrees Celsius.

Bandipora improved sharply to minus 2.7 degrees Celsius from minus 4.5 degrees Celsius.

Pulwama and Shopian both recorded minus 6.1 degrees Celsius, warmer than Wednesday’s lows of minus 7 degrees Celsius and minus 7.5 degrees Celsius.

Ganderbal improved to minus 2.6 degrees Celsius from minus 3.7 degrees Celsius, Sonamarg plunged to minus 5.8 degrees Celsius from minus 2.2 degrees Celsius, Rafiabad rose to minus 5 degrees Celsius from minus 5.9 degrees Celsius, and Sopore to minus 5.7 degrees Celsius from minus 6.9 degrees Celsius.

Jammu remained comparatively warmer, with the minimum inching up to 4.4 degrees Celsius from 4 degrees Celsius a day earlier.

Residents of Pulwama, which emerged as the coldest place alongside Shopian, said the cold has been unusually severe this winter, with temperatures matching or dipping below those in typically colder neighbouring areas.

“Pulwama is generally warmer than Shopian, but this year the temperatures are the same and sometimes even lower,” said Bashir Ahmad of Pulwama town. “We feel like freezing at night. Such a cold here is unprecedented.”

Another resident, Muhammad Yousuf, said prolonged sub-zero nights have disrupted daily life.

“People are struggling to cope, especially in the early mornings and nights. We have not seen Pulwama this cold in recent years,” he said.

The Meteorological Department officials said a weak Western Disturbance will approach J&K between January 16 and 18 and bring a light snowfall in high altitude areas.

From January 19 to 21, light to moderate snowfall may likely occur in Kashmir.

“Under its influence, both high altitude areas and plains may witness light to moderate snow and rains,” the officials said.