Srinagar, Jan 3: Amid forecast for moderate to heavy snowfall in next few days, the minimum temperature settled above freezing point across in J&K except Gulmarg and Pahalgam on Monday.
A meteorological department official here told GNS that Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K, recorded a low of 3.0°C against previous night’s 0.3°C. It was 5.0°C over normal for this time of the year.
Kashmir is presently under the grip of 40-day long harshest period of winter, known locally as ‘Chillai Kalan, which started from December 21. It is followed by a 20-day long ‘Chillai Khurd’ and a 10-day-long ‘Chilla Bachha’.
The mercury at the world famous resort of Gulmarg settled at minus 5.8°C against minus 6.2°C on the previous night, he said. Last night’s temperature was above 1°C normal there for this time of the year, he said.
Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, had a low of 1.4°C against minus 1.0°C on the previous night, he said.
Pahalgam, the famous resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 3.0°C against minus 1.7°C on previous night, he said.
It is 4°C above normal for the place during the season.
Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a low of 0.6°C against minus 1.9°C on previous night, the official said.
Kupwara town in north Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 2.0°C against minus 1.6°C on the previous night, the official said.
Jammu recorded a low of 7.7°C, same as that of the precious night which is almost normal for the J&K’s winter capital during this time of the year, he said.
Ladakh’s Leh recorded a low of minus 9.1°C against last night’s minus 9.1°C while Kargil recorded a minimum of minus 7.6°C, the official added.
The weatherman has already forecast moderate to heavy snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh during January 4 to 6 which is likely to affect road and aerial transportation.
“Widespread snow/rain spell of moderate to heavy intensity is most likely during 4-6th January in both J&K and Ladakh with main activity on 5-6th,” the official said.
Sonmarg-Zojjila road closed as higher reaches receive fresh snowfall
Authorities on Monday closed Sonamarg-Zojjila road was after upper reaches of Zojila in Ganderbal district of Central Kashmir received fresh snowfall.
that Sonamarg, Menimarg and Drass areas recieved fresh snowfall on Sunday evening.Traffic official said that keeping in view slippery condition and fresh snowfall, Sonamarg-Zojjila road has been closed as a precautionary measure. “The traffic was temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to avoid any incident,” he said.
The Becon officials said that men and machinery are on job to restore the traffic—(KNO)
