J-K Weather Update: Parts Of Kashmir Valley To Experience Snowfall As Temperature Remains Below Freezing

Cold wave conditions gripped Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with temperatures plunging several degrees below freezing across the valley, according to officials. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast snowfall in isolated areas of the valley over the next 72 hours.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.2°C on Sunday night, a sharp drop from the previous night’s minus 0.9°C, as per the meteorological department. Pahalgam, a key base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, reported a frigid minus 6.4°C, down from minus 3°C the previous night.

The popular skiing destination Gulmarg in north Kashmir registered minus 5.4°C, while Qazigund recorded minus 3°C. Other areas such as Konibal in Pampore reported minus 5°C, Kupwara minus 1.4°C, and Kokernag minus 2.4°C.

ALSO READ: US: 26-Year-Old Indian Student From Hyderabad Shot Dead In Washington DC

The valley remains under the influence of 'Chillai-Kalan,' the harshest 40-day winter period that began on December 21. This phase is marked by heightened chances of snowfall and significant drops in temperature. 'Chillai-Kalan' will conclude on January 30, giving way to the milder 'Chillai-Khurd' (20 days) and 'Chillai-Bachha' (10 days).

Additionally, IMD Scientist Dr Naresh Kumar predicts rain and snow across the western Himalayas, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, over the next five days due to two western disturbances.

ALSO READ: RG Kar Rape-Murder Case: Convict Sanjay Roy Sentenced To Life Imprisonment By Kolkata Court

Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre (Dehradun) has issued alerts for rain in mountainous regions until Tuesday, with light to moderate rain expected in plains and hills on January 22 and 23. A snowfall warning is in place for Pithoragarh, Kumaon, on January 24.