The night temperature in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, stayed above freezing on Wednesday, while Gulmarg and Pahalgam hill stations recorded temperatures below zero degrees Celsius. Srinagar saw a minimum of 3 degrees Celsius, with Gulmarg at minus 4.2 and Pahalgam at minus 2.2 degrees. Jammu city recorded 8.2 degrees Celsius, Katra town 9.4, Batote 4.2, Banihal 6.4, and Bhaderwah 0.6 degrees as the minimum temperature.
The Meteorological Department has predicted dry weather in the union territory until December 31, with a likelihood of a drop in minimum temperatures due to clear night skies. The ‘Chillai Kalan,’ a 40-day period of severe winter cold, began positively on December 21 with snowfall in the higher regions and rain in the plains, breaking a 3-month dry spell.
The recent rain and snow have brought relief to residents who were facing issues like cold, flu, and chest-related ailments. This weather change has also boosted hopes for those in the tourism industry, including hoteliers and tour operators, as they anticipate the arrival of tourists during Christmas and New Year’s Eve at popular destinations like Gulmarg.
Gulmarg, known as the ‘Skier’s Paradise’ for its excellent ski slopes, is expected to attract skiers. Migratory birds, a significant part of the Valley’s ecosystem, have started moving out of bird reserves to feed in open fields and marshy lands after the rainfall. Their presence not only adds color to the sky but also signifies the environmental health of the region.
