Srinagar: Cold wave conditions intensified in Gulmarg and Pahalgam in Kashmir where mercury plunged several degrees below the freezing point, even as the rest of the Valley experienced extended relief from the harsh winter, officials said on Monday.
They also said that Jammu and Kashmir is all set to experience a moderate snowfall in the first week of New Year as two back-to-back Western Disturbances are likely to affect the region from January 3 to 6.
Last night, Gulmarg skiing resort in north Kashmir recorded a night temperature of minus 10 degree Celsius, down 2 degrees compared to the previous night, the meteorological department said.
Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 9.2 degree Celsius, down from minus 8.5 degrees Celsius the previous night, the weather office said.
In Srinagar, night temperature dipped to minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, little more than a degree above the normal temperature for this time of the year, it said.
Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, logged a minimum temperature of minus 2.8 degree Celsius, while Konibal in Prampore recorded a low of minus 1.4 degree Celsius, the weather office said.
Kupwara in north Kashmir registered a low of 0.1 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag in south Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.0 degrees Celsius, it said.
Kupwara was the only place in the Valley where the minimum temperature settled above freezing point.
Kashmir is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ — the harshest period of winter — which began on December 21.
Chances of snowfall are the highest during the 40 days of Chillai-Kalan, leading to considerable drop in temperature.
Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that the two WDs are set to affect J&K and adjoining areas from January 1 onwards, KNO reported.
According to the forecast, Ahmad said that on January 1st and 2nd, a feeble WD would affect J&K and under its influence, generally cloudy weather is expected with possibility of light snow at scattered places towards the evening or night to January 2 morning.
He added that from January 3-6, a moderate WD would affect J&K and under its influence, generally cloudy weather is expected with possibility of light to moderate rain in plains of Jammu and snow at many places of J&K with peak activity on 4th and 5th January.
