As snowfall hit plains in Kashmir, the MeT office has predicted another intense snowfall period in the valley.
“Widespread rain/snow with heavy to very snow (above 2 feet over higher reaches) occurred since yesterday,” said a meteorological department official said.
He said a “significant decrease” in precipitation was expected from today evening.
“Expect another (heavy to very heavy) spell during January 7-8th,” he said, adding, “People are once again requested not to venture in avalanche prone area as our data shows that most avalanches are triggered during intense heavy snowfall.” He also urged people to follow traffic advisory and maintain proper ventilation of rooms.
Meanwhile, the official said Srinagar recorded rain and snowfall of 5mm in 24 hours till 0830 hours today.
The summer capital of J&K, he said, recorded a low of 0.8°C against previous night’s 0.6°C. It was 2.9°C above normal for this time of the year, he said.
Kashmir is presently under the grip of 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’.