Weatherman on Saturday predicted snowfall at most places of Jammu and Kashmir with “peak activity” during January 4 night to January 5 (late night) and Monday morning.
A meteorological department official said that there is possibility of “heavy snow” over middle and higher reaches of Kashmir as well as Chenab Valley during the time.
“Generally cloudy weather is expected with light to moderate rain (plains of Jammu)/snow at most places of J&K with peak activity during (January) 4th (Night) to 5th (late Night)/6th morning,” the official said. He said improvement in the weather activity is expected from the afternoon of January 6.
From January 7-10, he said, generally cloudy and dry weather is expected. Similarly, he said, generally cloudy weather with light snow is expected at isolated to scattered places from January 11-12. Generally dry is expected from January 13-1, he said.
“(There is) possibility of heavy snow over middle and higher reaches of Kashmir and Chenab valley during (January) 4th night to 5th late night/6th morning,” he said.
Also, he said, the weather system was likely to cause temporary disruption of surface and air transportation particularly on January 5.
“Tourists/travellers/Transporters are advised to plan accordingly and follow Admin/Traffic advisory,” he added.
Meanwhile, the official said Srinagar recorded a low of minus 1.6°C which was 0.8°C above normal.
Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of minus 6.6°C and it was 3.6°C below normal for the gateway town of the Valley.
Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of minus 2.6°C and it was 3.3°C above normal for the famous tourist resort in Anantnag district. Kokernag recorded a low of minus 5.8°C and Kupwara minus 2.2°C, he said.
Jammu recorded a low of 8.7°C, Banihal 3.0°C, Batote 6.5°C, Katra 11.2°C and Bhadarwah 3.0°C, he added.
Kashmir is under the grip of Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day long harsh winter period that started on December 21. It does not mean an end to the winter either. It is followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that occurs between January 30 and February 19 and a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 1.
