Amidst bone-chilling temperatures and a prevailing dry spell, Jammu and Kashmir are currently experiencing sub-zero temperatures.
The region is grappling with the harsh cold as a weak Western Disturbance (WD) is anticipated to influence the area, potentially bringing light snowfall to specific areas during late-night hours today or tomorrow morning.
The forecast provides insights into the probabilities of snowfall in different regions.
Sonamarg, along with other higher reaches of the Ganderbal district and Drass, has a 40% chance of experiencing snowfall. In Gurez, higher reaches of Kupwara and Bandipora, Pahalgam, and Kargil, there is a 25 – 30% chance, while Gulmarg, other higher reaches of Anantnag, and Leh have a 15 – 20% chance.
According to the Director of the Meteorological department (MeT), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, a feeble WD is expected on January 17.
This is likely to result in generally cloudy weather and the possibility of light snow over isolated higher reaches on that particular day. Notably, the higher reaches, especially in north Kashmir, are expected to experience light snowfall tomorrow evening or night.
Looking ahead, Dr. Ahmad stated that from January 18-20, the weather is forecasted to remain generally dry, with overall dry conditions expected till January 20th.
The recorded temperatures across the Kashmir valley further emphasize the severity of the cold wave. Srinagar is at -4.0°C, Qazigund at -4.2°C, Pahalgam at -5.3°C, Kupwara at -4.4°C, Kokernag at -2.4°C, Gulmarg at -3.2°C, Sonamarg at -4.1°C, Anantnag at -5.6°C, Ganderbal at -3.0°C, Pulwama at -6.0°C, Bandipora at -4.3°C, Baramulla at -5.1°C, Budgam at -4.4°C, Kulgam at -2.1°C, and Shopian at -6.0°C.
Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to cope with the ongoing cold conditions and potential snowfall in specific areas.