Harshest winter period unlikely to end on dry note as MeT predicts possibility of moderate snowfall on Jan 29
Srinagar, Jan 20 : In the ongoing Chillai-Kalan when the Valley is grappling with the prolonged dry spell, most parts of Kashmir including the summer capital of the Union Territory, Srinagar, have recorded a warmer day than the winter capital, Jammu.
However, as far as the forecast is concerned, the 40-day harshest winter period would unlikely end on a dry note as the weatherman here has predicted moderate snowfall in the last three days of the major cold period.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Jammu City has recorded a maximum temperature of 10.3 degree Celsius while Srinagar was warmer than Jammu where the mercury settled at 12.4 degree Celsius.
Despite witnessing sub-zero temperature at night, Kashmir parts have been recording a rise in the day temperature during this month, breaking the decades old record.
Similarly, some other parts including Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir, Kupwara in north Kashmir and Kokernag in South Kashmir also recorded a warmer day than Jammu today as a maximum temperature of 11.6 degree Celsius, 12.5 degree Celsius and 11.4 degree Celsius were recorded in these areas respectively.
The rise in the temperature is being witnessed amidst the prolonged dry spell. Similar weather conditions have been reported in the year 2018 when the whole Chillai-Kalan has culminated on a dry note as no snowfall was recorded during the period.
Moreover, this Chillai-kalan is unlikely to end on a dry note as the local Meteorological department here has predicted light to moderate snowfall in J&K on January 29. “The three-day light to moderate wet spell is expected from January 29,” the Director of Meteorological department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said.
Dry weather conditions are expected to continue till January 24 while there is a possibility of brief cloudiness tonight (January 20 night).
However, he stated that generally cloudy with light snow is expected at isolated higher reaches on January 25 and 26 while on January 27 and 28, the weather conditions are expected to remain generally cloudy with possibilities of light rain and snow over scattered places.
Furthermore, the Director Meteorological department, said although the details are not confirmed properly, the system at present shows the possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many places very likely from January 29-January 31.
Notably, the people across the Valley are praying for the wet spell where special prayers have been organized in the historic Jamia Masjid, Gurduwars and other places to seek the divine intervention for an end to the persistent dry spell—(KNO)
