Weather Update: Minimum temperatures rise above freezing in Kashmir valley

Weather Update: On Sunday, December 14, the minimum temperatures improved and rose above the freezing point in the Kashmir Valley.

Cloud Cover Pushes Up Minimum, Pulls Down Maximum Temperatures

Due to cloudy weather overnight, the minimum temperature in the valley went above the freezing point, while the maximum temperature dropped further, weather department officials said.

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Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam Record Marginal Temperature Rise

"Srinagar city recorded 2 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature today, as Gulmarg recorded 1.4 and Pahalgam 2.4 as the minimum temperature today. The maximum temperature was 7.7 degrees in Srinagar yesterday, while it was 7.2 and 9 degrees in Gulmarg and Pahalgam, respectively," the Meteorological department said.

Jammu Region Sees Mild Winter Conditions

The department officials said the minimum temperature in Jammu city was 11.4 degrees Celsius, while it was 11.2 degrees in Katra, 7.9 degrees in Batote, 5.5 degrees in Banihal and 4.7 degrees in Bhaderwah.

No Snowfall in Plains, Light Snow Likely in Higher Reaches

Despite the cloud cover and fog at most places in Srinagar city and the rest of the Valley, there is no possibility of any snowfall in the plains, while isolated light snowfall might take place in the higher reaches in the coming days.

No Major Weather Change Forecast for Next 10 Days

The weather department forecast does not show any major change in the weather during the next 10 days, raising fears that there will be no heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir this month.

Drought Conditions Affect Water Bodies Across Kashmir

The prolonged drought that has been going on for more than two months has caused the water level in Kashmir's rivers, streams, lakes, springs and wells to drop. The Jhelum River, flowing from south to north through the middle of the valley, has almost reached its original level.

Chillai Kalan to Begin on December 21

The 40-day period of severe cold known as 'Chillai Kalan' will begin on December 21 and end on January 30.

Snowfall During Chillai Kalan Crucial for Water Supply

Traditionally, heavy snowfall during Chillai Kalan fills all the water reservoirs located in the mountains, thereby maintaining water supply to various water bodies in the Union Territory during the summer months.

Dry Winter Triggers Health Concerns

The absence of snowfall during Chillai Kalan is considered a sign of drought in the summer. Therefore, Kashmiris are praying with folded hands for abundant snowfall during the winter months. Apart from water scarcity, the dry winter cold has led to widespread chest ailments in Jammu and Kashmir, with most people complaining of flu and dry cough.

With IANS Inputs