Due to a nightlong cloud cover, Srinagar city saw its minimum temperature go above freezing point while experiencing rain and snow in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. Srinagar recorded 2 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature, with Gulmarg and Pahalgam at minus 7 and minus 1.4 degrees Celsius, respectively. In Jammu city, the minimum temperature was 9.9 degrees Celsius, while Katra town had 9.6, Batote 4.2, Banihal 2.4, and Bhaderwah 0.9 degrees Celsius.
The day temperature has shown improvement in both the Valley and the Jammu division, with Srinagar reaching a maximum of 10.8 degrees Celsius and Jammu at 19.8 degrees Celsius on Saturday. Rain and snowfall were observed in the union territory over the last 12 hours, with the Meteorological Department forecasting cloudy weather, rain, snow in higher reaches, and thunder/gusty winds in many places. The upcoming days are expected to bring light rain, snow in higher reaches, and scattered rain/snow in various places.
Farmers are advised to halt farm activities for the next six days, and caution is advised for residents in avalanche-prone areas of Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal districts. Travellers and transporters are urged to check with traffic control rooms before embarking on journeys along the Srinagar-Jammu national highways. Srinagar-Leh and the Mughal Road remain closed for traffic as snow-clearing operations are ongoing to make these routes accessible for regular traffic.
Despite most of the ‘Chillai Kalan’ period passing without precipitation, the end saw moderate to heavy snowfall in the region, bringing joy to the locals. The snowfall during Chillai Kalan is crucial as it lasts in the mountains, supporting water bodies during the hot summer months.
