Srinagar, Jan 17 (JKNS): Cold conditions continued to prevail across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday night, with most parts of the Kashmir region recording sub-zero minimum temperatures, while Ladakh witnessed intense freezing conditions.
According to official data as per news agency JKNS, In Kashmir, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, the same as Srinagar Airport. Qazigund registered minus 3.4 degrees, Pahalgam minus 2.6 degrees, Kupwara minus 2.2 degrees and Kokernag minus 2.0 degrees Celsius. Tourist resort Gulmarg recorded minus 4.2 degrees, while Pampore registered minus 4.0 degrees Celsius.
Further details showed Awantipora and Budgam both recording minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, while Anantnag was colder at minus 4.7 degrees. Baramulla recorded minus 1.6 degrees, Bandipora minus 3.1 degrees, Pulwama minus 5.3 degrees and Shopian emerged as one of the coldest places at minus 5.6 degrees Celsius. Ganderbal registered minus 2.6 degrees, Sonamarg minus 2.9 degrees, Zethan Rafiabad and Sopore both minus 3.6 degrees, Beerwah minus 4.2 degrees and Aloosa Bandipora minus 1.5 degrees Celsius. Data for Kulgam was not available.
In the Jammu region, relatively milder temperatures were recorded. Jammu city registered a minimum of 4.6 degrees Celsius, while Jammu Airport recorded 3.5 degrees. Banihal recorded 0.6 degrees, Batote 5.7 degrees, Katra 7.4 degrees and Bhaderwah 1.5 degrees Celsius. Kathua recorded 4.0 degrees, Udhampur 1.6 degrees, Ramban 5.2 degrees, Rajouri minus 0.5 degrees, Reasi 2.7 degrees, Doda 6.6 degrees and Kishtwar 7.5 degrees Celsius. Data for Samba and Poonch was not available.
Ladakh continued to reel under severe cold, with Drass recording the lowest minimum temperature at minus 9.9 degrees Celsius. Hanle registered minus 8.0 degrees, Leh minus 7.0 degrees, Nyoma minus 5.6 degrees, Kargil minus 5.1 degrees, Padum minus 4.3 degrees, Khaltse minus 4.2 degrees and Nubra Valley minus 2.5 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, Director Meteorological Department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, as per news agency JKNS, issued a detailed weather forecast, stating that January 17 and 18 will remain partly to generally cloudy, with chances of light snowfall at isolated higher reaches.
He said that from January 19 to 20, weather conditions are expected to remain generally cloudy, with light to moderate rain or snowfall at scattered to fairly widespread places across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the forecast, January 21 is likely to witness partly to generally cloudy conditions with light snowfall at isolated higher reaches. From the evening of January 22 till January 25, generally cloudy weather is expected, with light to moderate rain or snowfall at most places. There is a possibility of heavy rain or snowfall over a few districts of the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal range and parts of south Kashmir during January 23 and 24.
The MET Department has issued an advisory warning of possible heavy rain or snowfall in some areas of the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal range and south Kashmir. It also cautioned about gusty winds at a few places and the likelihood of landslides in vulnerable areas.
Travelers have been advised to plan their journeys carefully during the wet spell, particularly on January 23 and 24, and to strictly follow traffic and administrative advisories. Farmers have also been advised to suspend agricultural operations during the forecast period. (JKNS)
