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Srinagar- A western disturbance is expected to affect Kashmir from January 16, raising hopes for a fresh spell of light to moderate snowfall in the Valley, officials said on Tuesday.
Meteorological Department officials said a weak western disturbance is likely to impact the region on Friday, followed by a stronger weather system about three days later.
While higher reaches of Kashmir have already received snowfall this winter, the plains continue to witness a prolonged dry spell. The absence of precipitation has contributed to a rise in suspended particulate matter, leading to deteriorating air quality in several areas.
Officials said the Air Quality Index in Srinagar has been hovering around the 180 mark, indicating poor air quality. On Monday evening, the AQI in the summer capital spiked sharply, touching 500 at one point.
Meanwhile, cold wave conditions have intensified across the Valley with a further drop in minimum temperatures recorded on Monday night. Srinagar registered a low of minus 4.9 degrees Celsius, compared to minus 2.4 degrees Celsius the previous night.
Sonamarg in Ganderbal district emerged as the coldest place in Kashmir, recording a minimum temperature of minus 7.0 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius.
Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.5 degrees Celsius. Other places across the Valley also witnessed sub zero temperatures, with Qazigund recording minus 5.0 degrees Celsius, Kokernag minus 1.6 degrees Celsius and Kupwara minus 5.8 degrees Celsius.
Kashmir is currently witnessing Chilla i Kalan, the harshest 40 day period of winter that began on December 21 and will continue till January 30. During this period, temperatures frequently plunge well below the freezing point and the chances of snowfall are at their highest.
However, despite the severe cold, the plains of Kashmir have remained snowless so far this season.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast that weather conditions in the Valley are likely to remain dry but cloudy until January 21.
The post WD May Bring Snow to Kashmir From Jan 16 appeared first on Kashmir Observer.
