Jammu and Kashmir is gearing up for possible light to moderate snowfall over the next 48 hours, coinciding with the start of Chillai Kalan—the harshest 40-day winter period—beginning Sunday, December 21. The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast snow in higher reaches and rain or snow in the plains starting late Saturday evening.
Dense fog and cold weather continue to impact morning flight operations at Srinagar International Airport, highlighting the challenges posed by the early winter spell. Weather stations across the Kashmir Valley have reported a slight dip in minimum temperatures amid the ongoing cold wave.
On Friday night, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius. South Kashmir’s Pulwama was the coldest at minus 3.2 degrees, while Katra in the Jammu division remained the warmest at 10 degrees Celsius. The drop in temperatures has been consistent across north, south, and central Kashmir districts due to cloudy weather.
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Daytime temperatures have remained relatively normal, but nighttime lows continue to hover below freezing across most parts of the Valley. Qazigund, known as the gateway to Kashmir, recorded minus 1.0 degrees, while Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara in north Kashmir also experienced a dip in minimum temperatures.
In the Jammu division, temperatures have been comparatively moderate. Jammu city recorded 9.3 degrees Celsius, while Banihal, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, and Batote observed slight nighttime temperature drops in the past week, signaling the onset of winter conditions.
The MeT has advised residents and travelers to stay alert for snow and icy conditions, especially in higher altitude areas. With Chillai Kalan bringing the harshest part of winter, authorities are preparing for disruptions in road, rail, and air transport, ensuring safety measures are in place across the region.
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