The minimum temperature in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir’s ski resort, fell to minus 5.5 degrees Celsius, while Srinagar city recorded minus 3.4 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department has predicted moderate to heavy rain/snow starting from the evening of January 22. Jammu city and Katra town saw temperatures of 7.4 degrees Celsius, with Batote at 2.5 and Banihal at minus 1.6.
The Meteorological Department issued an advisory for adverse weather conditions from January 22 to January 28. Two Western Disturbances are expected to impact J&K in the coming days. The first system is anticipated to bring heavy snowfall and rainfall over various regions, including the Pir Panjal range and South Kashmir. The second system, less intense, is forecasted to occur from January 26 to January 28.
Widespread light to moderate rainfall and snowfall are expected across the region due to these weather systems. The first system is likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from January 22-24, with peak activity on January 23. The second system is expected to peak on January 27. The advisory warns of disruptions to transport, landslides, and gusty winds ranging from 40 to 60 kmph.
Travellers, tourists, and transporters are advised to plan their journeys carefully. People in snow-bound areas are cautioned against venturing into avalanche-prone zones. Farmers are advised to suspend certain agricultural activities during this period. The Western Disturbance, originating in the Mediterranean region, plays a crucial role in winter rain patterns in the Indian subcontinent.
