Srinagar:- The Meteorological Department has issued a significant weather alert for Jammu and Kashmir, forecasting widespread snowfall with peak intensity expected from January 4 night through January 5 late night and into Monday morning. The department warns of particularly heavy snowfall over the middle and higher reaches of Kashmir and the Chenab Valley during this period.
According to a meteorological official, most areas of J&K will experience light to moderate precipitation, with rain in the plains of Jammu and snow in other regions. The weather system is anticipated to start clearing from the afternoon of January 6. Following this event, the region is expected to see generally cloudy and dry conditions from January 7-10, followed by light snow at isolated to scattered places during January 11-12, with dry weather returning from January 13 onwards.
The weather department has cautioned that this snow event could temporarily disrupt both surface and air transportation, particularly on January 5. Officials have advised tourists, travelers, and transporters to plan their movements accordingly and follow administrative and traffic advisories.
Temperature readings across the region show varying degrees of cold conditions. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.6°C, slightly above normal, while Qazigund dropped to minus 6.6°C, significantly below normal. Pahalgam tourist resort registered minus 2.6°C, with other locations like Kokernag and Kupwara recording minus 5.8°C and minus 2.2°C respectively. Jammu city maintained a relatively warmer temperature at 8.7°C.
The region is currently in the midst of Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day harsh winter period that began on December 21. This traditional winter phase will be followed by ‘Chillai-Khurd’ from January 30 to February 19, and subsequently by ‘Chillai-Bachha’ from February 20 to March 1, marking the gradual transition toward spring.
