The Kashmir Valley is currently experiencing a period of dry weather with warmer days and colder nights. While January nights bring frigid temperatures, with Srinagar recording a low of -4.8°C on Sunday, daytime sunshine offers a surprising respite from the harsh winter.
Pahalgam and Konibal in South Kashmir were the coldest places on Sunday, with temperatures dipping to -6.5°C each. This dry spell, lasting until January 24, has contributed to the unusual temperature fluctuations.
However, a change in weather is expected soon. The Meteorological Centre Srinagar predicts generally cloudy skies with light snowfall over isolated higher reaches from January 25-26. From January 27-28, the weather will turn even cloudier, with light rain or snow possible in scattered areas.
The period from January 29-31 brings the highest chance of precipitation, with the possibility of light to moderate rain or snow in many places.
Despite the cold nights, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, experienced summer-like conditions during the day. People were seen enjoying the sunshine in parks and on the banks of the iconic Dal Lake, even during the harshest part of winter, known as “Chillia Kalan.” Srinagar reached a maximum temperature of 12.6°C on Saturday, 6°C above normal.
Other parts of the valley also saw warmer daytime temperatures. Qazigund on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway recorded a low of -5.0°C, slightly colder than the previous day’s -4.0°C. Kokernag had a low of -2.3°C, compared to -2.0°C the night before.
