Minimum temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir showed a marginal improvement on Wednesday, with Srinagar recording a low of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius.
Due to partial cloud cover overnight, temperatures rose slightly across the region. Srinagar recorded minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg and Pahalgam registered lows of minus 7.6 degrees Celsius and minus 7.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 8.7 degrees Celsius, Katra town 6.2 degrees Celsius, Batote 3.1 degrees Celsius, Banihal 2.3 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah minus 2.6 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department has forecast that, except for a few feeble Western Disturbances likely to cause light snowfall in higher reaches, the weather in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to remain cold, cloudy, and generally dry till January 20.
The absence of major snowfall in the Valley, along with the lack of the season’s first snowfall in the plains, has caused widespread concern among residents. Prospects for fruit production, agriculture, and potable water during the summer months depend heavily on substantial winter snowfall.
Adding to these concerns is the ongoing 40-day-long harsh winter period known as Chillai Kalan, which began on December 21 and will end on January 30.
If there is no major snowfall during the remaining period of Chillai Kalan, snowfall in February and March is expected to be of little significance, as it tends to melt quickly without replenishing perennial water reservoirs in the mountains.
These perennial reservoirs are crucial for sustaining rivers, lakes, and other water bodies across Jammu and Kashmir during the summer months.
Meanwhile, the prolonged cold and dry weather has begun affecting daily life in the Valley. Chest and heart specialists have advised people with a history of cardiac and respiratory ailments to take extra precautions.
Elderly people and children have been advised to avoid venturing outdoors until after 10 a.m., as the intense morning chill can aggravate health conditions.
–IANS
