J&K | Subzero Temperatures Across Valley Expected; Additional Snowfall Anticipated This Week

Srinagar, Dec 31: Cold wave conditions have intensified across Kashmir, with the weather department forecasting light to moderate snowfall in the valley over the upcoming week.
Gulmarg, the well-known ski resort in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 11.5 degrees Celsius, a drop of one and a half degrees from the previous night, according to the Met department.
The base camp for the Amarnath Yatra in Pahalgam, located in south Kashmir, noted a minimum of minus 8.4 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than minus 9.2 degrees recorded earlier.
In Srinagar, temperatures fell to minus 3.5 degrees Celsius on Monday night, which is over two degrees lower than the prior night, the report added.
Qazigund, the entry point to Kashmir, observed a minimum temperature of minus 7.5 degrees Celsius, while Konibal in Pampore also recorded the same low, the weather office stated.
Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a milder temperature of 0.1 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag in south Kashmir had a low of minus 5.6 degrees Celsius. Kupwara was the only location in the valley to remain above freezing last night.
The Met office has predicted light snowfall on New Year’s Day, followed by a moderate snowfall later in the week.
“A weak western disturbance is expected to impact Kashmir on January 1 and 2, bringing a likelihood of light snow at scattered locations. A moderate to strong western disturbance is anticipated from January 3 to 6, with potential for snow at most areas, peaking between January 4 and 6,” it stated. There may be heavy snowfall in certain higher-altitude areas during the second spell.
Currently, Kashmir is experiencing ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the coldest phase of winter, which commenced on December 21.
This 40-day period is marked by the highest chances of snowfall and significant drops in temperature.
Chillai-Kalan concludes on January 30, but cold wave conditions can persist afterward. This period is succeeded by ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) lasting 20 days, and ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) for 10 days.