SRINAGAR, Jan 12: The meteorological agency predicts that Jammu and Kashmir will be affected by a weak western disturbance on Friday, with isolated areas in the upper ranges perhaps seeing light snowfall. Because to the cloud cover, Kashmir’s minimum temperatures increased somewhat. Jammu and Kashmir are expected to be affected by mild western disturbances on Friday and January 17 evening. The meteorological agency here stated that usually gloomy weather with light snowfall over isolated spots in the higher ranges is forecast due to these western disturbances.In Kashmir, a dry winter has brought with it chilly nights and above-average days. Over 6 degrees Celsius was the difference in day temperatures in Srinagar compared to the average for this time of year. The Valley’s nighttime lows remained below freezing, with the mercury falling below what is typical for this time of year. On Thursday night, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4 degrees Celsius, which was a degree warmer than the previous night. The ski resort of Gulmarg reported a low of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund had a low of minus 4.2 degrees.A minimum temperature of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius was recorded in Pahalgam, which is one of the base camps for the yearly Amarnath Yatra and is located in the Anantnag region in south Kashmir. In Kokernag town, the lowest recorded temperature was – 2.4 degrees Celsius, and in Kupwara, it was minus 4.4 degrees Celsius. Currently, Kashmir is experiencing “Chilla-i-Kalan,” a 40-day severe winter season that causes water in pipelines and other bodies of water to freeze due to a cold wave that sweeps the area. During this time, there is a greater likelihood of snowfall, and most places—especially the higher reaches—get a lot of snowfall.Kashmir has been experiencing a protracted dry season, and December saw a 79% rainfall shortfall. Precipitation did not fall during the first week of January. Most of Kashmir’s plains have not seen any snowfall, while the higher regions have seen less snow than normal. The last day of “Chilla-i-Kalan” is January 31. After that, though, there will be two further cold spells: a 10-day “Chilla-i-Bachha” (baby cold) and a 20-day “Chilla-i-Khurd” (little cold).
