Jammu warms after colder-than-Kashmir day
*AQI worsens in both capital cities
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Jan 13: The prolonged dry spell across Jammu and Kashmir is likely to end next week with the arrival of back-to-back western disturbances from January 16, even as day temperatures in the Jammu region improved significantly today due to bright sunshine, bringing much-needed relief to residents.
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According to weather observers, a western disturbance expected to hit the Union Territory later this week may trigger snowfall in the Kashmir valley and rainfall over the plains of Jammu. Officials of the Meteorological Department said a weak western disturbance is likely to affect the region on Friday, followed by a stronger system around three days later.
While the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir have received snowfall this winter, the plains continue to face an extended dry spell, raising concerns over water availability and environmental conditions.
Cold wave conditions intensified across the Kashmir valley as minimum temperatures dropped sharply last night. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 4.9 degrees Celsius, down from minus 2.4 degrees Celsius the previous night.
Sonamarg was the coldest place in the Valley at minus 7.0 degrees Celsius, followed by Pahalgam at minus 6.2 degrees Celsius. The ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.5 degrees Celsius.
Other areas also witnessed severe cold, with Qazigund recording minus 5.0 degrees Celsius, Kupwara minus 5.8 degrees Celsius, and Kokernag minus 1.6 degrees Celsius.
The region is currently in the grip of Chilla-i-Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period that began on December 21 and will end on January 30. During this phase, temperatures frequently plunge well below freezing and the chances of snowfall are highest. However, the plains have remained without snow so far this season.
In contrast to Kashmir’s biting cold, the Jammu region witnessed a noticeable rise in daytime temperatures as sunshine prevailed. Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 16.0 degrees Celsius. The improvement came a day after Jammu had recorded unusually low daytime temperatures, even lower than Srinagar and several other stations in the Kashmir valley.
Other districts of the Jammu region also witnessed improved daytime temperatures. Banihal recorded a maximum of 16.6 degrees Celsius, Batote 16.3 degrees Celsius, Katra 16.6 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 15.6 degrees Celsius. However, night temperatures continued to remain low, with Bhaderwah recording a minimum of minus 0.2 degrees Celsius.
Flight operations at Jammu Airport remained largely normal despite cold weather conditions. Officials said a total of 28 flights, including arrivals and departures, were scheduled for the day. No flights were cancelled or diverted. However, four flights experienced delays, including services on the Delhi–Jammu–Delhi, Delhi–Jammu–Srinagar, Ahmedabad– Jammu– Ahmedabad and Hyderabad– Jammu– Hyderabad sectors.
Meanwhile, the prolonged dry spell has adversely affected air quality across the Union Territory. According to officials of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Jammu was reported today between 200 and 400, placing it in the “Very Unhealthy” to “Severe” category. In Kashmir, AQI levels ranged between 180 and 450. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remained the dominant pollutant.
Meteorologists and environmental officials hope that the anticipated precipitation may not only bring relief from the prolonged dry spell but also help improve air quality levels across the region.
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