The meteorological department has forecast light isolated snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday owing to an approaching weak western disturbance.
Dry weather has prevailed across the Union Territory this winter, resulting in freezing night temperatures coupled with above-normal day temperatures. However, the minimum temperatures saw a slight uptick across the Valley over the past 24 hours due to increased cloud cover.
Srinagar recorded a low of minus 4 degrees Celsius Thursday night while Gulmarg and Pahalgam saw the mercury drop to minus 3.2 degrees and minus 5.3 degrees respectively. The normal temperature this time of the year is minus 5.8 degrees Celsius.
Met officials said two western disturbances are likely to influence J&K’s weather on Jan 13 and Jan 17, leading to isolated light snowfall in hilly areas. The disturbances originate as extratropical storms in the Mediterranean region.
Kashmir is currently under the 40-day period of harsh winters called ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ which sees the most frequent snow spells and sub-zero temperatures. However, most plains have seen negligible snow this season so far amid an over 75% rain deficit in December 2022.
The dry winter has brought some respite to people after last year’s heavy snow which disrupted essential services and infrastructure over long spells. But weather analysts have called it an abnormal pattern amid climate change worries.
After ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ ends on Jan 31, the cold wave will continue during 20-day ‘Chilla-i-Khurd’ and 10-day -‘Chilla-i-Bachha’ over February and mid-March. The meteorological department’s snow alerts will remain key during this period.
