The protracted dry period in Kashmir has broken, with new snowfall reported in a number of locations, including the well-known ski resort of Gulmarg. The local meteorologist has forecast additional snowfall by the end of the month. Since Thursday night, there has been new light snowfall in Gulmarg, Kishtwar portions, Sonamarg, Pir Ki Gali, Shopian, Doodhpathri, Gurez, and other locations, ending the protracted dry spell. On the other hand, the lowlands, which included Jammu & Kashmir's summer capital of Srinagar, occasionally had sunshine all day.
The director of the meteorological (MeT) department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, stated that there is a chance of light to moderate rain and snow in many locations on January 28–29 amid cloudy weather. He also mentioned that there is a chance of light to moderate rain and snow in many locations on January 30-31. He stated that there is a chance of light rain and snow in certain locations on February 1 and 2.
In the meantime, the weatherman has issued an advice due to the weather system that is expected to occur between January 28 and January 31, stating that it could result in the temporary closure of higher-elevation highways as well as significant passes like Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan Pass, Zojila, etc.
Furthermore, other locations have experienced an improvement in the minimum temperature; Srinagar recorded a low of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius. The historic ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 3.7 degrees Celsius, while the well-known tourist attraction of Pahalgam recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius. A minimum temperature of 0.2 degrees Celsius was recorded at Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, and minus 0.1 degrees Celsius was reported at Kokernag. 2.5 degrees Celsius was the final temperature recorded at Kupwara.
For the past two weeks, the local populace in the Valley has arranged multiple special prayer gatherings in an attempt to invoke divine intervention to end Kashmir's current drought. The Kashmir Valley is experiencing a notable increase in temperature as a result of the recent snowfall in the upper regions. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Pahalgam was - 0.4 degrees Celsius, while the lowest in Srinagar was minus 0.5 degrees Celsius. The ski resort Gulmarg recorded a temperature as low as -3.7°C. The coldest month in the Kashmir Valley, known as "Chillai Kalan," will finish on January 30.
