MeT forecasts week-long wet weather from today

Due to nightlong cloud cover, the minimum temperature rose above the freezing point in Srinagar city on Wednesday as the MeT office forecast another spell of rain/snow in Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmir has not received normal rain/snow so far this season. It is the heavy snowfall in the winter months that replenishes the perennial water reservoirs in the mountains. These perennial reserves of snow sustain various rivers, streams, springs and ponds during the summer months. Less snowfall in winter means less water in rivers, streams, springs, wells and ponds during the summer months.

A MeT department statement said on Wednesday, “Fresh spell of light rain/snow at scattered to fairly widespread places during January 29th night/ January 30th morning and at isolated places during January 31. On February 1 and 2, generally cloudy sky with possibility of light rain/snow at scattered to fairly widespread places. Few middle and higher reaches may receive moderate snowfall. February 3 will see generally cloudy sky with possibility of light snow at scattered places. On February 4 and 5, generally cloudy sky with possibility of light rain/snow at scattered to fairly widespread places.”

The MeT department also issued an advisory on Wednesday stating, “Rise in minimum temperature by 2-4 degree celsius at many places from January 29 onwards. Tourists/ travellers/ transporters are advised to follow administrative/traffic advisory.”

Srinagar had 1.9° Celsius, Gulmarg minus 2.5° Celsius and Pahalgam minus 0.8° Celsius as the minimum temperature today. Jammu city had 11.2° Celsius, Katra 10.3, Batote 7.7, Banihal 3.3 and Bhaderwah 4.5 as the minimum temperature today.

Meanwhile, the 40-day-long period of harsh winter cold known as the ‘Chillai Kalan’ will end on January 30.