No Major Snowfall Expected In Kashmir Until Monday: IMD

Sonamarg recorded minus 9.3 degrees Celsius as temperatures plummeted across Kashmir Valley with the weather department predicting light snowfall due to a weak Western Disturbance.

Srinagar:Kashmir continued to bask in bright sunshine on Wednesday while nighttime temperatures witnessed a drop, with Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, today recording the minimum temperature of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Srinagar has forecast dry and cloudy weather until Thursday, with a weak western disturbance bringing light to moderate snowfall in higher reaches.

It said the dry weather would prevail in the valley until Saturday afternoon, with no major snowfall expected until Monday (January 20).

Kashmir and Ladakh continued to experience harsh winter conditions, with Sonamarg recording a bone-chilling minus 9.3°C and Pahalgam minus 8.4°C. In South Kashmir, Qazigund recorded minus 5.4°C, Kokernag minus 4.6°C, Pulwama minus 5.8°C, Khudwani minus 6.6°C, Kulgam minus 5.8°C, Shopian minus 7.9°C, and Larnoo minus 8.8°C.

In North Kashmir, Kupwara and Bandipora recorded minus 4.7°C, and Baramulla minus 3.4°C. Central Kashmir’s Budgam recorded minus 4.7°C, and Ganderbal shivered at minus 4.6°C.

Jammu region temperatures varied, with Jammu city recording 6.0°C, Banihal minus 1.5°C, Batote 2.1°C, Katra 6.8°C, and Kishtwar 2.0°C. Padder recorded minus 8.1°C, Poonch 2.8°C, Rajouri 1.5°C, Samba 2.3°C, Kathua 6.3°C, Reasi 4.7°C, and Udhampur 3.4°C.

In Ladakh UT, Leh recorded minus 12.2°C, Kargil minus 13.7°C, and Drass shivered at minus 22.0°C.

Traffic Update

Meanwhile, traffic on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) is moving in both directions. However, commuters are advised to follow lane discipline to avoid traffic congestion. Moreover, Bhaderwah-Chamba, Sinthan, and Mughal Roads remain closed to traffic.