Adil Lateef
Srinagar, Oct 15: With higher reaches of Valley experiencing fresh snowfall, the weather in Kashmir has taken a turn and cold wave has gripped entire region but Meteorological Department said that there is no forecast of wet spell in plains as of now and prevailing dry spell is expected to continue.
Over the past two days, the weather in Kashmir is experiencing change and cold at dawn and dusk has increased. Two days ago, the higher reaches of Valley including Peer Ki Gali, Sheshnag, Zojila and Amarnath cave experienced light snowfall, the first of this season, resulting in dip in both maximum and minimum temperature. “The prevailing cold is as a result of snow in higher reaches,” said Director MeT, Sonam Lotus.
According to MeT department, Srinagar recorded a maximum of 22.6 degree Celsius temperature today, three notches below yesterday’s day temperature. The minimum temperature was recorded 6.5 degree Celsius. Although the cold has started to grip Valley but MeT said that there is no forecast of wet spell in plains. “We don’t see any rain spell as of now. The dry spell is expected to continue in the region,” the MeT Director said.
Due to dry spell in Valley, the water level in River Jhelum is receding everyday. According to Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department, the water level of Jhelum at Sangam today at 9 am was -0.06 ft. Similarly, the water level of Jhelum at Ram Munshi Bagh was 3.10 ft and at Asham, the level was 1.41 ft. The water level in tributaries is also receding. According to the I&FC, the water level of Vishow Nallah at Khudwani was 1.95 m and Lidder Nallah at Batkoot was just 0.01 m.
Director MeT Sonam Lotus said the dry spell in months of September and October is not unusual. “We have seen this pattern in last 30-40 months when these two month record no rains. This has happened before and this is also happening now. As of now it is not worrying,” he said. Lotus, however, said that snow in upper reaches at this time is normal. “I think today also there was also some snowfall in upper reaches,” he said.
Meanwhile, people in Valley have started preparations for upcoming winter season which stretches up to February ending from November. Hundreds of people today thronged Sunday flea market in city centre and were seen buying warm clothes and other woolens. While people in remote areas have started wearing ‘pheran’, the residents of plains are donning sweaters and jackets to fight cold.
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