Dry weather till Jan 22, cold to intensify: MeT
Srinagar, Jan 7: Minimum temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir improved marginally on Wednesday due to partial night-long cloud cover, even as cold and largely dry weather conditions continued to prevail across the Union Territory.
Srinagar city recorded a low of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg and Pahalgam registered minus 7.6 and minus 7.2 degrees Celsius respectively. In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 8.7 degrees Celsius, Katra 6.2, Batote 3.1, Banihal 2.3 and Bhaderwah minus 2.6 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department said Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness largely dry and stable weather conditions till January 22, with no major weather disturbance expected during this period. According to the forecast, the weather will remain partly cloudy from January 7 to 15, while January 16 and 17 may see generally cloudy conditions with light rain or snowfall at isolated places in the Kashmir division.
The weather is expected to turn partly to generally cloudy on January 18 and 19, while January 20 may witness generally cloudy skies with light snowfall at isolated higher reaches of Kashmir. January 21 and 22 are likely to remain partly cloudy. The MeT Centre clarified that no significant weather activity is anticipated during this period, except for a few feeble Western Disturbances that may cause light snowfall in higher reaches.
The department has also issued an advisory warning of a significant fall in minimum temperatures till January 10, after which temperatures are expected to rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. Moderate fog is likely to prevail over the plains of the Jammu division, with dense fog at isolated places for the next five days, prompting authorities to advise commuters and travellers to remain cautious during early morning and late evening hours due to reduced visibility.
Meanwhile, the continued absence of major snowfall in the Valley and the lack of this season’s first snowfall in the plains have raised concerns among residents, as winter snowfall plays a crucial role in sustaining agriculture, horticulture and potable water supply during the summer months.
Adding to the anxiety is the nearing end of the 40-day-long harsh winter period, ‘Chillai Kalan’, which began on December 21 and will conclude on January 30. Experts warn that if no significant snowfall occurs during the remaining period of Chillai Kalan, snowfall in February and March would be of limited benefit, as it melts quickly and fails to replenish perennial water reservoirs in the mountains that sustain rivers and other water bodies during summer.
The prolonged cold and dry weather has also begun to impact public health. Chest and heart specialists have advised people with a history of respiratory and cardiac ailments to take extra precautions. Elderly persons and children have been advised to avoid venturing outdoors before 10 a.m., as the morning chill is known to aggravate health conditions.
