A prolonged wet spell is set to impact Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh until January 26, bringing heavy rain and snowfall to several districts and prompting official warnings for travellers and farmers across the Union Territory.
The Meteorological Department has indicated that a more intense weather system will affect parts of the region between January 22 and 25, with the possibility of heavy snowfall particularly over the Chenab Valley in Jammu division, the Pir Panjal range and south Kashmir districts on January 23 and 24.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the MeT office in Srinagar has cautioned about potential landslides at vulnerable locations and advised residents to exercise caution while planning travel during the peak period. Farmers have been specifically urged to suspend agricultural activities during phases of heavy precipitation to prevent damage to standing crops and orchards.
The weather pattern is expected to develop gradually. January 18 is likely to remain generally cloudy with light snowfall possible at isolated higher reaches. Light to moderate rain or snow is forecast at scattered to fairly widespread places from January 19 to 20. The major wet spell is anticipated to set in from the evening of January 22, leading to light to moderate precipitation at most places on January 23 and 24, before tapering to light activity at scattered locations on January 26.
Minimum temperatures across the Union Territory showed little change on Saturday compared with the previous day, underlining the continuation of cold winter conditions ahead of the approaching system. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius. Qazigund and Pahalgam settled at minus 3.4 degrees Celsius and minus 2.6 degrees Celsius respectively. Gulmarg dipped to minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, while Shopian and Pulwama were the coldest in the Kashmir plains at minus 5.6 degrees Celsius and minus 5.3 degrees Celsius. Anantnag registered minus 4.7 degrees Celsius.
In north Kashmir, Kupwara recorded minus 2.2 degrees Celsius, Baramulla minus 1.6 degrees Celsius and Bandipora minus 3.1 degrees Celsius. Budgam and Awantipora both stood at minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, and Srinagar Airport reported minus 3.2 degrees Celsius.
The Jammu region saw milder lows, with Jammu city at 4.6 degrees Celsius, Banihal at 0.6 degrees Celsius, Bhaderwah at 1.5 degrees Celsius and Rajouri at minus 0.5 degrees Celsius. Katra and Kishtwar recorded 7.4 degrees Celsius and 7.5 degrees Celsius respectively.
Ladakh continued to experience extreme cold, with Drass at minus 9.9 degrees Celsius, Leh at minus 7 degrees Celsius, Hanle at minus 8 degrees Celsius and Kargil at minus 5.1 degrees Celsius.
The forecast arrives during the ongoing Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day harshest phase of winter in the Kashmir Valley, when sub-zero temperatures and frequent precipitation are typical. Authorities have stressed the need for preparedness, including monitoring road conditions on critical routes such as the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, which often faces disruptions during heavy snowfall. Travellers crossing high passes have been advised to check official weather and traffic updates and avoid non-essential journeys during the intense phase. The system is part of active western disturbances influencing the western Himalayan region, though final snowfall amounts will depend on its exact path and intensity.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
