Western disturbances set to bring fresh snowfall

Cold conditions have tightened their grip on Kashmir, with the Valley bracing for fresh spells of snowfall as two back-to-back western disturbances are likely to affect the region starting Wednesday, officials said.

According to the Meteorological Department, feeble western disturbances are expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir from January 1-2, with light snow expected at scattered places from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning.

From January 3-6, a moderate western disturbances are expected to bring light to moderate snow to most places in the state, with peak activity from January 4-6.

The MeT Office added that there is a possibility of heavy snow at a few places in the higher reaches during the second spell.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 8.8° Celsius, up from the previous night’s minus 11.5° Celsius, the Met Department said. Gulmarg was the coldest recorded place in Kashmir valley.

Pahalgam registered a minimum of minus 7.6° Celsius, slightly up from minus 8.4° Celsius, it said. In Srinagar, the mercury dipped to minus 4.4° Celsius on Tuesday night. Qazigund logged a minimum temperature of minus 6° Celsius, while Konibal in Pampore town also recorded a low of minus 7.5° Celsius, the weather office said.