MeT predicts fresh snowfall from Jan 3- 6
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Jan 01 : The Meteorological Department has predicted a significant wet spell in Jammu and Kashmir, with moderate to heavy snowfall expected across various regions between the evening of January 3 and the afternoon of January 6.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Director of the MeT Department told Kashmir Despatch that a feeble western disturbance is expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir from January 1-2, with light snow at scattered places from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning.
He said from January 3-6, a moderate western disturbance is expected to bring light to moderate snow to most places in the state, with peak activity from January 4-6. He added that there is a possibility of heavy snow at a few places in the higher reaches during the second spell.
He also reassured that no significant cold wave is expected until at least January 6-7.
Dr. Ahmed urged travelers, tourists, and transporters to plan their journeys carefully, given the potential for disruption between January 3 and 6. “Follow the administration’s and traffic department’s advisories. Slippery roads and accidents are common during this period, especially in the mornings and evenings. Drive cautiously to avoid mishaps,” he said.
He also highlighted the risk of fire accidents and suffocation-related incidents caused by heating devices. “Ensure that heating gadgets, whether electric or gas-based, are never left unattended. Always switch them off properly before sleeping. Such precautions can prevent accidents and save lives,” he advised.
Meanwhile, the night temperature dropped at most places in Kashmir as cold conditions tightened their grip on the valley.
Gulmarg, a tourist resort town known for skiing activities in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 8.8 degrees Celsius, up from the previous night’s minus 11.5 degrees Celsius, the Met Department said. Gulmarg was the was the coldest recorded place in the valley.
Pahalgam, one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, registered a minimum of minus 7.6 degrees Celsius, slightly up from minus 8.4 degrees Celsius, it said.
In Srinagar, the mercury dipped to minus 4.4 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night, down from the previous night’s minus 3.5 degrees Celsius, it added.
Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, logged a minimum temperature of minus 6 degrees Celsius, while Konibal in Pampore town also recorded a low of minus 7.5 degrees Celsius, the weather office said.
Kupwara in north Kashmir registered minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, while in south Kashmir, Kokernag recorded minus 5.8 degrees Celsius, it said.
Kashmir is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ – the harshest period of winter – which began on December 21. During the 40 days of Chillai-Kalan, the chances of snowfall are highest, and the temperature drops considerably.
Chillai-Kalan ends on January 30 next year, but the cold wave continues even after that. Chillai-Kalan is followed by a 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).
Meanwhile, District Disaster Mangement Authority (DDMA) Bandipora has issued a weather advisory from January 01 to 6.
According to an advisory of which a copy lies with Kashmir Despatch reads residents are urged to follow safety guidelines and avoid unnecessary travel during this period to ensure their safety and minimize disruptions caused by snowfall.
It reads as, the Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora has instructed all concerned departments to remain prepared for snow clearance and related logistical requirements. District and sectoral officers have been directed to stay stationed at their headquarters to provide immediate assistance if needed.
The advisory also reads as the emergency Ccontact numbers for assistance during this period, the public can reach out as District Emergency Control Room Bandipora: 01957-225232, 7006526985, 7006630771 Fire and Emergency Services, Bandipora: 01957-225222, 01957-225320, 6005181577 Police Control Room, Bandipora: 01957-225278, 9596767430, SDRF Unit, Bandipora: 6005123176, PMGSY: 7780924618, 7780911178 and Mechanical Engineering Department: Bandipora: 7780801745, Sumbal: 7006416229, Gurez: 6006187048, R&B/PWD: Bandipora: 9797726549, Sumbal: 8803031946, Gurez: 7006583262
It also reads as, PHE number as: Bandipora: 8899974389, Sumbal: 9018479902, Gurez: 6006327798 and PDD: Bandipora: 7006844763, Sumbal: 9596369806 and Gurez: 7006844763 while residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and cooperate with authorities to ensure public safety.
Pertinently, recent snowfall, despite the attendant difficulties, is a boon for Kashmir.
The snowfall brings hope to the people, especially farmers, as it attracts more tourists to the region, providing a boost to the economy.
As winters grow harsher, the onus lies on the administration to address recurring issues such as power shortages with a long-term vision. Investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and efficient load management are no longer optional but essential to ensure that people can withstand the cold with dignity.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
