The minimum temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir are set to improve due to continuous cloud cover. The Meteorological office forecasts the impact of three upcoming Western Disturbances, bringing rain and snow to the region.
Sonam Lotus, Director of Ladakh MeT Department, stated that three Western Disturbances will affect J&K from January 16 to January 24. The first disturbance is currently active, likely to bring rain/snow to higher areas with less impact on the plains.
Lotus further explained that the second disturbance, active between January 18 and January 20, will result in rain/snow primarily in higher regions. The third disturbance, from January 20 to late January 24, is expected to bring moderate to heavy snowfall across the Valley.
The anticipation of snowfall has brought relief to the residents of J&K, especially as Srinagar and other plain areas are yet to experience the season’s first snowfall. The ‘Chillai Kalan’ period, marking harsh winter cold, began on December 21 and will conclude on January 30.
With only a few days left of ‘Chillai Kalan,’ the region’s water reservoirs remain to be replenished. A lack of significant snowfall during this period could lead to challenging summer conditions in J&K in the upcoming months.
In terms of current temperatures, Srinagar recorded minus 1.5 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg and Pahalgam reported minus 2.3 and minus 2.6 respectively. Jammu city had 4.7 degrees Celsius, with other areas like Katra, Batote, Banihal, and Bhaderwah also experiencing cold weather.
