Srinagar The Meteorological department today predicted very light snow at isolated higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir till January 21.
An official of Meteorological Centre Srinagar told that partly to generally cloudy with possibility of very light snow at isolated higher reaches can’t be ruled out during January 18-19.
From January 20-21 the weather will likely be generally cloudy with possibility of light snow at isolated to scattered places of Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
He also said on January 22, the weather will likely be generally cloudy with possibility of light rain (in Jammu plains), and snow at scattered places of Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
On January 23, there will be generally cloudy with possibility of light to moderate rain (in Jammu plains), while snow at many places of J&K, he said.
The weather will likely remain generally dry during January 24-27, he said, and advised tourists, travelers and transporters to follow advisories from administration and traffic department.
MeT said that Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -0.9°C, which, though higher than the previous night, was still 2.0°C below normal for this time of year.
Other parts of the Kashmir valley also registered freezing temperatures. Qazigund-the gateway town to the valley in South Kashmir, recorded -2.5°, while Kokarnag and Kupwara recorded minimums of -2.8°C and -1.3°C, respectively.
Kashmir is currently in the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the harshest phase of winter that began on December 21. Spanning 40 days, this period is characterized by a significant drop in temperatures and heightened chances of snowfall, making it the coldest and most challenging time of the season. The ‘Chillai-Kalan’ ends on January 30.
In the Jammu division, the minimum temperatures were comparatively warmer but still showed a seasonal chill. Jammu city recorded 8.5°C, while Banihal and Batote registered -1.4°C and 3.5°C, respectively. Katra noted a minimum temperature of 9.1°C, staying slightly below the seasonal average.