Srinagar: As people arelonging to bid adieu to the prolonged dry spell in Kashmir, the weather office has forecasted the possibility of light snowfall at places in the valley from Thursday afternoon to January 31. Residents eagerly prayed for a respite from the impact this extended dry period has had on various sectors, the upcoming snowfall holds the promise of answering those heartfelt prayers.The delay in snowfall has created a sense of longing among tourists also who had envisioned a snowy landscape during their visit to Kashmir. Media reports quoted many tourists hoping that the magic of winter will soon unfold.
The MeT has said that the dry weather is likely to continue till January 24. A private weather forecaster (Kashmir Weather) on Tuesday predicted a possible light to moderate snowfall over high reaches of Kashmir under the influence of first Western Disturbance, while it said the higher reaches of Ladakh may witness light snowfall between 25th and 26th January.While ruling out any major weather disturbance said that light rain/snow showers can occur over plains of Kashmir on 26th of January.He said the second Western Disturbances are expected from 28-January to 30th January, which may cause moderate snowfall over higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir with Doodhpathri, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gurez, Sinthan Top and Peer Ki Gali having chances of heavy snowfall.During the second Western Disturbances, the plains of Kashmir may witness light to moderate rain/snow with few inches of snowfall possible over some plains. Jammu may witness light to moderate rain showers and snowfall over the higher reaches of the region, he was quoted as saying.The forecaster said a third disturbance may affect the region 60-70% from 30th January to 2nd February.The third Western Disturbance will have a stronger intensity as compared to the first two, he said.He said no continuous precipitation or snowfall is expected anywhere and that the temperatures will significantly drop from 25th January.
Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.0 degrees Celsius on Monday, marginally up from the previous night’s minus 5.3 degrees, the officials said on Tuesday.
Pahalgam in south recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius.
Qazigund town recorded a low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius and the ski resort town of Gulmarg in north Kashmir reported a low of minus 4.5 degrees, the officials said.
The minimum temperature in Kokernag town settled at minus 1.5 degrees Celsius and in Kupwara at minus 4.9 degrees, they added.
A dry and largely snowless winter in Kashmir has resulted in freezing nights and warmer-than-usual days as maximum temperatures in Srinagar have been more than eight degrees above normal for this time of the year, the officials said.
Kashmir has been going through a prolonged dry spell with a 79 percent rainfall deficit being recorded in December. There has been no precipitation in most parts of the Valley in the first three weeks of January.
There has also been no snowfall in most plain areas of Kashmir while the upper reaches of the Valley have received lesser-than-usual snow. (with inputs from agencies)
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