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Jammu & Kashmir Shiver: Record Cold, Snow Deficit Raises Water Alarm

Jammu city is experiencing unprecedented cold, recording its fourth-lowest maximum temperature ever at 7.4 degrees Celsius with a dangerously narrow gap between day and night temperatures. Across the region, sub-zero temperatures are being recorded in places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Bhaderwah. The critical 40-day winter period known as 'Chillai Kalan' is more than halfway over, yet the plains of Kashmir have received no major snowfall, raising alarms about water reservoir replenishment. The Meteorological Department forecasts a series of weak Western Disturbances that may finally bring the season's first snowfall to the Valley.

Key Points: Jammu Kashmir Cold Wave: Record Low Temps, Snow Deficit Worry

  • Jammu city records 4th lowest max temp ever at 7.4°C
  • Minus temperatures grip Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Bhaderwah
  • Critical 40-day 'Chillai Kalan' period more than halfway with no major snowfall
  • Three Western Disturbances forecast, may bring first snow to plains
2 min read

Jammu reels under unprecedented cold, Kashmir in deep freeze

Jammu records unprecedented cold with a 3-degree gap. Kashmir's 'Chillai Kalan' sees no major snowfall, raising alarms over water reservoir replenishment.

"Under the influence of these Western Disturbances, the plains of the Valley are likely to get their first snowfall of this season, - MeT department officials"

Srinagar, Jan 15

Unabated cold accompanied by chilly winds blowing into the plains from mountains continued in Kashmir on Thursday and Jammu city also reeled under unprecedented chilly weather.

The maximum temperature was 7.4 degrees Celsius in Jammu on Wednesday, while the minimum was 4.4 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

With just a gap of 3 degrees between the maximum and minimum temperatures, Jammu city is witnessing unprecedented cold weather, made worse by fog that continued throughout the day with varying intensity.

Jammu city on Wednesday recorded the 4th lowest maximum temperature ever at 7.4 degrees Celsius.

The maximum temperature was 5 degrees in January 1986, 6.7 degrees in 2013 and 7.1 degrees in 2016.

Srinagar had a minimum temperature of minus 3.9 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg minus 3.2, and Pahalgam 5 degrees.

Jammu city had 4.4 degrees, Katra town 6.8, Batote 4.9, Banihal 1.9 and Bhaderwah minus 0.1 as the minimum temperature.

The Meteorological (MeT Department has forecast that a weak Western Disturbance is expected to bring rain/snow in J&K on January 16, to be followed by two back-to-back Western Disturbances.

"Under the influence of these Western Disturbances, the plains of the Valley are likely to get their first snowfall of this season," the MeT department officials said.

So far, there has been no major snowfall in the Valley as the plains are yet to receive this season's first snowfall.

The continued dry spell has raised alarm across J&K as all the water bodies, on which agriculture, horticulture and drinking water needs are based, in turn depend for replenishment on heavy snowfall during the ongoing 40-day period of harsh winter cold locally called the 'Chillai Kalan'.

This crucial 40-day period is already more than halfway through, and the plains of the Valley are yet to witness this season's first snowfall. Chillai Kalan ends on January 30. Snowfall in February and March is of little consequence as it melts quickly and does not help replenish the perennial water reservoirs in the mountains.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Stay safe and warm, everyone in Jammu and Kashmir! 🧣🧤 These temperatures sound brutal, especially with the fog. Hope the predicted Western Disturbances bring the much-needed snow gently and without causing disruptions to power or travel.
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Rohit P
People in the plains of North India complaining about 10-12 degrees should read this. 4.4°C in Jammu with fog all day is a different level of cold. It chills you to the bone. Respect to the residents braving this.
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Anjali F
The article clearly explains the ecological importance of snowfall during Chillai Kalan. It's not just about the cold or picturesque views. It's about our water security. I hope the media and government focus more on this critical angle rather than just reporting temperatures.
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Michael C
Visiting from the US, and I'm always amazed by the seasonal cycles in the Himalayas. The data comparing years (1986, 2013, 2016) is interesting. Seems like these extreme cold events are part of a pattern. Wishing safety to all affected.
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Kavya N
My family is in Srinagar. They say the dry cold is worse this year, and everyone is anxiously waiting for the snow. It's a strange feeling – you dread the inconvenience, but you know it's essential for the land. Fingers crossed for the Western Disturbances!

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