Srinagar, Jan 22,: Weather expert Sonam Lotus on Thursday said that weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir would remain largely normal during the day but are expected to deteriorate from late Thursday evening with the onset of widespread rain and snowfall.
Speaking to the news agency Kashmir News Trust, Sonam Lotus said a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the region, bringing rain to lower areas and snowfall to higher reaches. He said plains in Kashmir may receive snowfall ranging between five to six inches, while upper reaches are likely to witness heavy snow accumulation.
Lotus added that higher-altitude areas, including Zojila Pass, Gulmarg, and parts of Kupwara, are expected to receive between two to three feet of snowfall. The Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal region are also likely to experience heavy snowfall during the spell, he added.
The weather expert advised people to remain alert and take necessary precautions, particularly those travelling through mountainous routes. He warned that the expected snowfall could lead to disruptions in surface and air transportation.
Sonam Lotus further cautioned that electricity supply in several areas may also be affected due to heavy snow accumulation and strong weather activity, urging people to remain prepared for possible inconveniences during the coming days.
Ladakh coldest as mercury dips below minus 11, Kashmir follows, Jammu largely above freezing
Extremely cold conditions prevailed across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Thursday, with Ladakh emerging as the coldest region while several parts of south and central Kashmir recorded severe sub zero temperatures. In contrast, most areas of the Jammu region continued to experience comparatively milder winter conditions.
In Ladakh, Hanle recorded the lowest minimum temperature at minus 11.0 degrees Celsius, closely followed by Leh at minus 10.6 degrees Celsius. Kargil registered minus 8.4 degrees Celsius, while Nubra Valley recorded minus 6.1 degrees Celsius. These figures reaffirm Ladakh’s position as the coldest region in the Union Territory during winter.
Within the Kashmir Valley, south Kashmir witnessed the harshest cold. Sonamarg recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the Valley at minus 6.1 degrees Celsius. Pulwama followed at minus 5.8 degrees Celsius, while Shopian and Anantnag recorded minus 5.4 and minus 5.3 degrees Celsius respectively. Awantipora also dipped to minus 5.2 degrees Celsius, and Pampore recorded minus 5.0 degrees Celsius.
Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, while Srinagar Airport recorded minus 3.8 degrees Celsius. Other notable readings included Pahalgam at minus 4.4 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg at minus 4.0 degrees Celsius, Kupwara at minus 3.7 degrees Celsius and Budgam at minus 3.7 degrees Celsius. Baramulla and Aloosa Bandipora were relatively warmer within the Valley at minus 0.4 degrees Celsius.
The Jammu region remained largely warmer in comparison. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 7.2 degrees Celsius, while Jammu Airport recorded 7.3 degrees Celsius. Katra recorded 6.6 degrees Celsius and Kathua 5.8 degrees Celsius. However, higher altitude areas such as Banihal and Bhaderwah dipped below freezing at minus 2.2 and minus 1.5 degrees Celsius respectively. Udhampur and Rajouri recorded 1.0 degree Celsius each, while Samba hovered just above freezing at 0.1 degree Celsius.
The data highlights a clear regional contrast, with Ladakh experiencing extreme cold, Kashmir facing intense sub zero winter conditions, particularly in south Kashmir, and Jammu remaining comparatively moderate with only higher reaches witnessing freezing temperatures. [KNT]
