Higher areas of Jammu and Kashmir saw light snowfall, but the plains of the Valley missed the first snow of the season on Saturday. Weather experts anticipate moderate to heavy snowfall in the Valley from January 22 to 24. In the past 12 hours, light to moderate snowfall was reported in the higher regions, while the plains remained snow-free, disappointing residents eagerly awaiting the season’s inaugural snowfall.
A Western Disturbance is set to bring widespread rain and snow to Jammu and Kashmir from January 22 to 24, with the Valley, including the plains, expected to receive moderate to heavy snow during this period. Farmers are advised to halt farming activities, and travelers are urged to plan their journeys accordingly. As the 40-day-long cold period of ‘Chillai Kalan’ concludes on January 30, Srinagar and other Valley towns are yet to witness snowfall this winter.
The absence of heavy snowfall during Chillai Kalan could have severe consequences, as the water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir rely on this snow to replenish the water reservoirs that support rivers, streams, lakes, and wells during the summer. Major water bodies, such as the partially frozen Dal Lake in Srinagar, are posing challenges for fishermen and tour operators navigating the icy waters. Elders in the Valley have not experienced dry Chillai Kalans in the plain areas during their lifetimes.
Srinagar reported a minimum temperature of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg recorded minus 4.2 degrees Celsius and Pahalgam minus 2.6 degrees Celsius. In Jammu city, the minimum temperature was 4.6 degrees Celsius, Katra town 7.4 degrees Celsius, Batote 5.7 degrees Celsius, Banihal 0.6 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 1.5 degrees Celsius.
