Biting cold with no prospect of major rain or snowfall till the end of the month continued in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, as minimum temperatures remained several notches below the freezing point across the Valley.
Srinagar recorded a minimum of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam registered minus 4.6 and Gulmarg touched zero degrees. In the Jammu region, Jammu city saw 8.5 degrees Celsius, Katra 9.4, Batote 6.3, Banihal 4.2 and Bhaderwah 1.9 degrees Celsius.
An extended dry spell has triggered multiple concerns in Kashmir. With no rain or snow, suspended particulate matter (SPM) has mixed with low-lying fog—particularly in and around Srinagar—resulting in smog. The air quality index (AQI) has deteriorated, leading to a surge in chest-related ailments aggravated by cold winds. Pulmonologists have advised people to avoid direct exposure to cold air by wearing woollens, especially mufflers to cover the neck and face during mornings and evenings.
People suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remain the most vulnerable in this extreme cold.
Water levels have dropped sharply across all rivers, lakes, streams, wells and springs in the Valley. The Jhelum River, which flows from south to north through the region, has nearly touched the bottom due to the prolonged dry conditions.
The Meteorological (MeT) Department has ruled out any major rain or snow in the near future. Director MeT Mukhtar Ahmad told IANS that apart from a couple of feeble Western Disturbances that may bring isolated rain or snow to the higher reaches of J&K, there is no likelihood of significant snowfall until the end of the month.
The 40-day-long period of intense winter cold, known as ‘Chillai Kalan’, begins on December 21 and ends on January 30. During this phase, rivers, lakes and other water bodies in the Valley partially freeze, and the gap between day and night temperatures narrows, intensifying the cold.
–IANS
