The cold wave continues to intensify in the Kashmir Valley, with the Meteorological (MeT) Department on Wednesday forecasting more snowfall and rain in Jammu and Kashmir over the next 24 hours.
According to a statement from the MeT Department, two western disturbances (WD) are set to pass over the region in quick succession, starting from January 1.
The first disturbance, expected from January 1 to 2, will bring generally cloudy weather with light snow at scattered locations from the evening of January 1 to the morning of January 2.
The second disturbance, which will occur from January 3 to 6, will bring generally cloudy conditions with light to moderate rain in Jammu’s plains and widespread snow across most of J&K. Peak activity is expected between the evening of January 4 and the night of January 6. From January 7 to 10, the weather is expected to be generally cloudy with dry conditions.
The MeT Department has issued an advisory urging tourists, travelers, and transporters to plan their movements accordingly and follow traffic advisories due to the likelihood of fresh snowfall, sub-freezing temperatures, and icy roads, especially in higher altitudes and plains. The department also warned that heavy snowfall could occur in isolated higher reaches between January 4 and 5.
On Wednesday, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -4.4°C, Gulmarg at -8.8°C, and Pahalgam at -7.6°C. In Jammu, the minimum temperature was 8.4°C, with Katra at 5.7°C, Batote at 2.5°C, Banihal at -1.3°C, and Bhaderwah at -0.4°C. Several lakes, including Dal Lake in Srinagar, are partially frozen due to the intense cold.
The 40-day period of severe winter, which began on December 21, will last until January 30.
The health department has issued a warning urging residents to avoid prolonged exposure to extreme cold, with a particular focus on protecting children and the elderly.
(With inputs from IANS)