Srinagar, January 3 – As Jammu and Kashmir braces for another spell of snowfall and rain starting January 5, dense fog enveloped Srinagar and its surrounding areas on Friday. With visibility reduced, vehicles navigated the streets with fog lights on. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh Western Disturbance, bringing snow and rain across the region.
Temperature Drops in South Kashmir
South Kashmir districts experienced a biting cold with sub-zero temperatures:
- Shopian: -8.5°C (coldest location in South Kashmir)
- Anantnag: -7.7°C
- Larnu: -8.2°C
- Kulgam: -6.8°C
- Khudwani: -7.1°C
Srinagar and Other Areas in the Valley
- Srinagar: -2.2°C
- Ganderbal: -4.3°C
- Budgam: -3.2°C
- Qazigund: -7.3°C
- Pulwama: -6.1°C
- Pahalgam: -4.5°C
Northern Kashmir Records Sub-Zero Temperatures
- Baramulla: -4.8°C
- Bandipora: -5.5°C
- Gulmarg: -5.5°C
Temperature Update for Jammu Division
While Jammu Division experienced milder temperatures compared to the valley, significant variations were observed:
- Katra: 11.0°C (highest in the region)
- Jammu: 7.3°C
- Samba: 6.1°C
- Bhaderwah: 2.3°C
- Banihal: 2.0°C
- Kathua: 9.1°C
- Rajouri: 6.4°C
- Udhampur: 7.3°C
- Poonch: 8.1°C
- Batote: 5.8°C
Icy Conditions in Ladakh
Ladakh continues to experience extreme cold:
- Drass: -8.6°C (coldest in the region)
- Kargil: -6.9°C
- Leh: -4.4°C
Weather Outlook
A fresh Western Disturbance is set to become active on January 5, likely leading to significant snowfall in higher altitudes and rain in lower regions. This change is expected to intensify the cold wave in the area, impacting daily life.
The IMD has urged residents and tourists to prepare for potential disruptions caused by slippery roads, reduced visibility, and power outages.
Tourist Advisory
With fresh snowfall on the horizon, popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are expected to attract a surge in visitors. Tourists are advised to:
- Stay updated with weather advisories.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snowfall.
- Carry adequate winter gear for safety.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
