Srinagar, Dec 22: Minimum temperature has risen across Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh on the second day of Chillai Kalan.
Srinagar recorded a temperature of minus 1.8°C on Tuesday night against last night’s minus 2.8°C. It was after several days that the mercury rose above normal of minus 2.0°C for the first time of this season.
Kashmir is presently under the 40-day long harshest period of winter, known locally as ‘Chillai Kalan, which started from December 21. It is followed by a 20-day long ‘Chillai Khurd’ and a 10-day-long ‘Chilla Bachha’.
Mercury at Gulmarg settled at minus 4.0°C against minus 5.0°C on the previous night. It was 1.8°C above normal for the famous resort which is presently teeming with visitors.
Weatherman has forecasted a heavy snow spell for three days from December 26.
The meteorological department on Tuesday said there is a likelihood of snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir from December 26 to 28.
Light snowfall is likely to occur over higher reaches of J&K and Ladakh on Thursday and Friday.
Weatherman said due to the feeble western disturbance, there would be an overcast sky in both J&K and Ladakh. There are chances of light snowfall over J&K and Ladakh higher reaches between December 23 and 24.
MeT said high-intensity snowfall may occur from December 26 evening to December 28 forenoon with main activity on December 27.
MeT said there would be a rise in mercury by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in J&K and 4 to 5 degrees C in Ladakh.
Weatherman said the cold wave has abated in both UTs and would remain so till December 28.
