Unabated cold, accompanied by chilly winds blowing into the plains from the mountains, continued in Kashmir on Thursday, while Jammu city also reeled under unprecedented winter conditions.
The maximum temperature in Jammu on Wednesday was 7.4 degrees Celsius, while the minimum dropped to 4.4 degrees Celsius on Thursday. With just a 3-degree gap between the maximum and minimum, the city is experiencing unusually cold weather, further aggravated by persistent fog throughout the day.
Jammu city recorded the fourth lowest maximum temperature ever on Wednesday at 7.4 degrees Celsius. Historical records show a maximum of 5 degrees in January 1986, 6.7 degrees in 2013, and 7.1 degrees in 2016.
In Kashmir, Srinagar reported a minimum temperature of minus 3.9 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg minus 3.2, and Pahalgam 5 degrees. Jammu city had 4.4 degrees, Katra 6.8, Batote 4.9, Banihal 1.9, and Bhaderwah minus 0.1 as minimum temperatures.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast that a weak Western Disturbance is expected to bring rain and snow to Jammu and Kashmir on January 16, followed by two more back-to-back Western Disturbances.
“Under the influence of these Western Disturbances, the plains of the Valley are likely to receive their first snowfall of the season,” MeT officials said.
So far, the plains have not witnessed major snowfall this winter. The ongoing dry spell has raised concerns across the region, as all water bodies—crucial for agriculture, horticulture, and drinking water—depend on heavy snowfall during the 40-day harsh winter period locally called the ‘Chillai Kalan’.
This crucial period is already more than halfway through, yet the plains of the Valley are yet to receive the first snowfall of the season. Chillai Kalan ends on January 30. Snowfall in February and March offers little benefit, as it melts quickly and does not sufficiently replenish the perennial mountain reservoirs.
–IANS
