SRINAGAR, Jan 16: Fresh snowfall blanketed Kashmir on Thursday, with ongoing spells of wet weather anticipated in the higher reaches of the valley in the coming days, according to the weather office.
Tourist destinations like Pahalgam and Sonamarg, along with the Zojila axis and elevated areas in Budgam, Gurez, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and other regions, received early morning snowfall.
The plains in Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, and Baramulla also experienced light snowfall, as reported by officials.
Light snowflakes began falling in Srinagar as the latest updates came in, they noted.
The Meteorological Department predicts generally overcast weather with light rain or snow in scattered areas throughout the day. It further indicated that light snow in isolated higher regions cannot be dismissed this weekend.
There is a potential for light snow in isolated to scattered areas from January 20-21, while light to moderate snow is expected in scattered to fairly widespread regions from January 22-23, according to the MeT.
In the meantime, due to the cloudy conditions, minimum temperatures across the Kashmir valley have risen, bringing residents some relief from the severe cold.
On Wednesday night, the minimum temperature in Srinagar landed at minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, an increase from the previous night’s minus 4.8 degrees Celsius.
The popular skiing destination of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of minus 7 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam, a key base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, noted a low of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, rising from minus 8.4 degrees Celsius the night prior.
The minimum temperatures were minus 3.8 degrees Celsius in Qazigund, minus 3.5 degrees Celsius in Konibal (Pampore), minus 1.9 degrees Celsius in Kupwara, and minus 2.2 degrees Celsius in Kokernag.
Kashmir is presently enduring the “Chillai-Kalan”—the harshest part of winter.
During the 40 days of “Chillai-Kalan,” commencing on December 21, snowfall probabilities peak, and temperatures significantly drop.
“Chillai-Kalan” concludes on January 30, ushering in a 20-day “Chillai-Khurd” (short cold) followed by a 10-day “Chillai-Bachha” (baby cold). (Agencies)
