SRINAGAR, Jan 17 (KNS): Sub-zero temperatures gripped the Kashmir Valley on Saturday, with Gulmarg and Beerwah in Budgam recording a low of -4.2°C. This follows light snowfall in some higher reaches on Friday night.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service, independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif provided the minimum temperature readings recorded across the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh earlier today.
He reported the following from the Kashmir Division: Srinagar: -3.2°C, Qazigund: -3.4°C, Pahalgam: -2.6°C, Kupwara: -2.2°C, Kokernag: -2.0°C, Gulmarg: -4.2°C, Zethan Rafiabad: -3.6°C, Sopore: -3.6°C, Beerwah (Budgam): -4.2°C, and Aloosa (Bandipora): -1.5°C.
From the Jammu Division, he listed: Jammu: 4.6°C, Banihal: 0.6°C, Batote: 5.7°C, Katra: 7.4°C, Bhaderwah: 1.5°C, Kathua: 4.0°C, Rajouri: -0.5°C, and Kishtwar: 7.5°C.
Arif said a persistent temperature drop across the plains, with most of the Kashmir Valley remaining below freezing. The cold was even more severe in Ladakh, where Drass was the coldest recorded location at -9.9°C.
The Kashmir Valley is currently in the midst of ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, the 40-day harshest winter period, during which night temperatures frequently plunge several degrees below the freezing point and chances of snowfall are the highest.
‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, which began on December 21 last year, will end on January 30. It will be followed by the milder periods ‘Chilla Khurd’ and ‘Chillai Bachha’.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department said on Friday that a western disturbance is approaching Kashmir, which is likely to affect the weather from Saturday evening.
Under its influence, there is a possibility of light snowfall over higher reaches, while the lower regions are likely to receive light rain, the department said. (KNS)