Srinagar, Jan 18: The minimum temperatures across most regions in Kashmir have risen, yet they remain below freezing, with Srinagar recording a low of -0.9°C on Saturday. According to the Meteorological Centre, Gulmarg, the ski resort in Baramulla district, registered a temperature of -8.2°C. Meanwhile, Pahalgam, a renowned tourist spot in Anantnag district of South Kashmir, saw a notable increase in its overnight minimum temperature, rising to -3.4°C on Friday night compared to -11.8°C the previous night.
Srinagar’s temperature of -0.9°C, while higher than the previous night, is still 2.0°C lower than the seasonal average for this time of year. Other areas in the Kashmir Valley experienced similarly low temperatures, with Qazigund reporting -2.5°C, Kokarnag at -2.8°C, and Kupwara at -1.3°C.
Currently, Kashmir is undergoing ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the most severe winter phase that started on December 21 and lasts for 40 days, which is known for significant temperature drops and an increased likelihood of snowfall, marking the coldest and most difficult period of the season. This phase will conclude on January 30.
In the Jammu division, temperatures were warmer but still reflected a seasonal chill, with Jammu city recording 8.5°C, and Banihal and Batote registering -1.4°C and 3.5°C, respectively. Katra recorded a minimum of 9.1°C, slightly under the seasonal average.
The Meteorological Department forecasts primarily dry weather in Kashmir until January 19. There is a chance of very light snow at isolated to scattered locations from January 20 to 23 across Jammu and Kashmir, with dry conditions expected to resume from January 24 for the following three days.
