The minimum temperatures in Kashmir showed improvement on Monday, although they remained below freezing. Srinagar recorded a minimum of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg and Pahalgam experienced minus 3.4 degrees. In Jammu, the temperature was 3.4 degrees Celsius, with Katra at 5 degrees, Batote at 4.3, Banihal at 5.1, and Bhaderwah at minus 1.2.
The Meteorological Department’s forecast indicates partly cloudy weather from January 11 to January 15. Between January 16 and 17, there may be light rain or snow at higher reaches in the Kashmir division. The weather is expected to be generally cloudy on January 18 and 19, with light rain or snow in isolated areas on January 20.
According to the MeT Department, from January 21 to 23, the weather will be partly to generally cloudy with light rain or snow in scattered places. Between January 24 and 25, partly cloudy weather is anticipated in Jammu and Kashmir. The Department also issued an advisory, predicting a gradual rise in minimum temperatures in many areas starting from Monday. It warned of moderate fog over the plains of Jammu division, with dense fog at isolated spots over the next five days.
The MeT Department’s forecast for Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Valley, suggests predominantly cold and dry weather until January 25. The ongoing dry spell has raised concerns across the union territory, as the water bodies crucial for agriculture, horticulture, and drinking water rely on heavy snowfall during the ‘Chillai Kalan,’ a 40-day harsh winter period. With Chillai Kalan ending on January 30, the Valley is yet to witness the season’s first snowfall, which is critical for replenishing water reservoirs.
