SRINAGAR: Kashmir valley is reeling under cold wave as Srinagar and other parts of the state are under below freezing point. With the state getting colder, MeT has predicted another snow spell that may hit the state from January 19. According to Met department director Sonum Lotus, "Intense western disturbance will become active over Jammu and Kashmir from January 19 and will remain so till January 23. Under its influence moderate to heavy snowfall is likely to occur in the Valley during this period that may affect surface and air traffic."
Authorities have issued avalanche warning to people living in avalanche-prone areas and have advised them not to venture out to avoid any untoward incident. The warning has been issued for the avalanche-prone areas of Anantnag, Kulgam, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kargil and Leh districts. Srinagar recorded a temperature of -0.7 degree Celsius whereas Pahalgam in southern Kashmir recorded -10.3 degree Celsius. Temperatures in the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg in northern Kashmir dipped to -10 degree celsius.
Qazigund, gateway town to the Kashmir Valley recorded -0.7 degree Celsius. Jammu was warmer than other parts of the state with a temperature of 5.3 degree Celsius, followed by Udhampur at 1.5 degree Celsius. Leh shivered at -15.6 degree Celsius with Kargil being the coldest at -19.2 degree Celsius.