Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 13: With no significant activity expected for the next few days across Kashmir, the mercury continues to remain below freezing, with Srinagar today shivering at minus 5.1 degrees Celsius.
The ski resort Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.5, while the mercury plunged to minus 8.4 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam.
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Qazigund recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.4 degrees Celsius, while the frontier district Kupwara recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.5 degrees Celsius.
The maximum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at 10 degrees Celsius, continuing the trend of warm days observed over the past few days.
The Meteorological Department has forecast no major weather activity until January 21.
As per the forecast for the next 24 hours, mainly dry weather is expected over J&K, while the outlook for the subsequent two days indicates no significant change.
Director MeT, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, stated that the weather is expected to remain mainly clear until tomorrow, after which it will turn generally cloudy, with no forecast of any wet spell.
On January 15 and 16, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy, with the possibility of light snow at isolated higher reaches during the morning of January 16.
From January 17 to 19, the weather will remain generally cloudy, he said.
Overall, the Weatherman said no significant change in weather is expected until January 19.
“On January 20 and 21, the weather is likely to remain generally cloudy, with the possibility of light snow at isolated places.”
In its advisory, the MeT has advised tourists, travelers and transporters to follow the administration and traffic advisories.
Moreover, day temperatures increased in most parts, with Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K, recording a maximum temperature of 10.0 degrees Celsius.
As per the forecast, the maximum day temperature in Srinagar is expected to remain the same for the next few days, with a slight dip likely from January 16.
At the same time, there are chances of improvement in the minimum temperature.
For Srinagar on Tuesday, the MeT has forecast a mainly clear to partly cloudy sky, with the day temperature expected to reach 11 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature hovering around minus 5 degrees Celsius.
It is worth noting that the 40-day-long period of intense winter, locally called ‘Chillai Kalan, started on December 21 and will end on January 29. With its conclusion, respite from the chilling cold, especially during the nights, is likely.
As per the advisory of the Traffic Department, passengers and LMV operators are advised to undertake journeys on the Jammu-Srinagar NHW during daylight hours due to the risk of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal.
HMV operators and owners have been urged to avoid overloading and to carry sufficient fuel during their journeys on the Jammu-Srinagar NHW.
Vehicle owners are also advised to double-check the fitness of their vehicles and ensure they carry sufficient fuel before embarking on their journeys.
Regarding the traffic plan and advisory for January 14, subject to fair weather and better road conditions, LMVs, passenger/private cars, and HMVs will be allowed from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44), from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa.
It was stated that the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road remained closed due to snow accumulation.
For the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road, subject to fair weather and good road conditions-and after receiving clearance from road maintenance agencies-only one-way traffic for LMVs, followed by HMVs with anti-skid chains, will be allowed from Kargil towards Srinagar.
The Mughal Road remained closed due to snow accumulation, as does the Bhaderwah-Chamba road.
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