MeT forecasts another 2-day wet spell in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 25: Several parts of Kashmir experienced a slight relief from the cold as overnight temperatures rose marginally, even as meteorologists forecast more rain and snowfall from January 26, officials of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday.

Despite the improvement, minimum temperatures across the Kashmir division remained below freezing on Sunday, underlining the persistence of severe winter conditions as 35 days of the 40-day harshest winter period, Chillai Kalan, were completed. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund and Kupwara registered minus 3.1 and minus 3.5 degrees Celsius, respectively. Pahalgam saw a minimum of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than minus 7.6 degrees Celsius the previous night, while Kokernag settled at minus 5.0 degrees. Gulmarg, the ski resort in north Kashmir, was the coldest place at minus 10.2 degrees Celsius, compared with minus 12 degrees Celsius a night earlier, showing a modest improvement in night temperatures.

Following Friday’s heavy snowfall in several parts of Kashmir, many parts of south Kashmir received a thin layer of fresh snowfall.  Areas in Shopian and high-altitude areas of Anantnag including Sinthan Top received a light snowfall.  Meanwhile, meteorologists forecast moderate to heavy rain and snow at several places across J&K.

Officials from IMD said a significant change in weather conditions is expected from January 26, with rain and snowfall likely across most parts of the Union Territory. Moderate to heavy precipitation is forecast at a few places, particularly during the night of January 26 and the evening of January 27.

The Meteorological Department said the approaching system could also bring thunderstorms and gusty winds in isolated areas. However, wind speeds are expected to remain comparatively low, the officials added. The farmers were advised to suspend field operations till January 28, while the residents in high-altitude areas were warned against venturing into avalanche-prone or sloppy areas.