Anticipated snowfall in Kashmir next week to break prolonged dry spell

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The weather office announced on Friday that Kashmir is expected to witness light snow and rain next week, bringing relief from the prolonged dry spell in the valley. Dry weather is predicted to persist until January 24, with generally cloudy conditions on Saturday evening.

According to an official from the Meteorological Department, there is a likelihood of snowfall in Kashmir at isolated places in the higher reaches on January 25. From January 26-28, light rain or snow is anticipated over scattered places in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, from January 29-31, there is a high likelihood of light to moderate rain/snow at many locations based on different weather models.

The current winter in Kashmir has been marked by dry and largely snowless conditions, resulting in freezing nights and warmer-than-usual days. The region is currently experiencing the harsh 40-day winter period known as "Chilla-i-Kalan," characterized by a cold wave and significantly lower temperatures, leading to the freezing of water bodies and pipes.

The chances of snowfall in Kashmir are the highest during this period and most areas, particularly the higher reaches, receive heavy snowfall.

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Despite the ongoing winter period, the valley has witnessed a considerable rainfall deficit of 79 per cent in December, and the first half of January saw no precipitation in most parts of the region. The "Chilla-i-Kalan" is expected to conclude on January 31, but cold conditions will persist with a 20-day "Chilla-i-Khurd" (small cold) and a 10-day "Chilla-i-Bachha" (baby cold).

Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday night, dropping slightly from the previous night's minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, the officials said.

Qazigund recorded a low of minus 5 degrees while in the ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir it was minus 3.6 degrees Celsius, they said.

Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.3 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperature in Kokernag town settled at minus 1.4 degrees Celsius and in Kupwara at minus 5 degrees Celsius. (With inputs from PTI)