Srinagar : After enduring an extended dry spell lasting two months, Jammu and Kashmir are on the brink of a weather shift, according to the latest Meteorological Department forecast. Residents can expect a reprieve with light rain and snowfall predicted over the next two days. Thursday’s weather is expected to be generally cloudy, with a chance of light snowfall at isolated higher reaches towards the night. On January 26th, a mix of generally cloudy conditions, light rain over plains, and light snow at isolated higher reaches is anticipated during the early morning hours.
Looking ahead to January 27th through February 2nd, there is a possibility of widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall. Moreover, moderate to dense fog is expected to persist over the plains of Jammu Division.
An advisory from the Meteorological Department cautions about potential temporary road closures in higher reaches and critical passes, including Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan Pass, Zojila, etc., particularly from January 28th to 31st. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly and stay informed about evolving weather conditions.
Independent forecaster Faizan Arif notes that while the upcoming spell may provide some relief, several more spells are required to compensate for the deficit Jammu and Kashmir have faced in the last two months. The forecast confidence for January 25th to 29th ranges between 60 percent to 95 percent, according to Faizan.
In terms of temperatures, Bandipora in north Kashmir recorded the coldest temperature at minus 7.9 degrees Celsius, followed by Pulwama in south Kashmir at minus 7.3 degrees Celsius and Shopian at minus 6.9 degrees Celsius. Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district recorded minus 6.3 degrees Celsius. Qazigund town in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.4 degrees Celsius, and the ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius. Kokernag town settled at minus 2.3 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara recorded minus 5.3 degrees Celsius.
A notably dry and largely snowless winter in Kashmir has led to freezing nights and warmer than usual days. Srinagar’s daytime temperatures were over eight degrees above the normal temperature for this time of the year. The region has experienced a 79 percent rainfall deficit for December, with no precipitation in most parts of the valley during the first three weeks of January. The absence of snowfall in most plain areas, coupled with below-average snowfall in upper reaches, has characterized the persistent dry spell.
