Kashmir Shivers as Temperatures Plunge, Dense Fog Disrupts Life in Jammu

Srinagar, Jan 13: Bitter cold continued to grip Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday as night temperatures dropped further under a clear sky, with Srinagar recording a freezing minus 4.9 degrees Celsius, while dense fog in Jammu city severely disrupted normal life and halted surface and air traffic due to poor visibility.

In the Kashmir Valley, harsh icy winds kept people indoors during the morning hours. With no major snowfall forecast over the next week, the prolonged spell of severe winter cold is expected to persist.

According to officials, Srinagar recorded the lowest temperature of minus 4.9 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg and Pahalgam registered minus 3.5 degrees and minus 6.2 degrees, respectively. In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a minimum of 3.8 degrees Celsius, Katra 6.2, Batote 4.1, Banihal 8.9 and Bhaderwah minus 0.2 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department said partly to generally cloudy weather is likely to prevail till January 18 and 19. Light rain or snowfall at isolated places is expected on January 20, followed by scattered light rain or snow between January 21 and 23. Partly cloudy weather is forecast for January 24 and 25.

The MeT Department also issued an advisory predicting a gradual rise in minimum temperatures at several places, while warning that moderate fog over the plains of the Jammu division, with dense fog at isolated locations, is likely to continue for the next five days.

Meanwhile, the continued cold and dry spell has raised concern across the Union Territory, particularly in the Valley, as water bodies dependent on snowfall during the 40-day harsh winter period of ‘Chillai Kalan’ remain under stress. With Chillai Kalan ending on January 30 and no significant snowfall so far, experts fear long-term impact on water resources, agriculture and horticulture. (Agencies)