Jammu, Jan 14 (NationPress) - On Wednesday, Jammu reported a maximum temperature of 7.4 degrees Celsius, which is 10.1 degrees below the normal range and lower than any maximum temperature recorded in the Kashmir Valley that day.

According to local Met Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad, "This temperature marks the 4th lowest ever recorded in Jammu." He further noted that the previous low maximums were 5 degrees Celsius in January 1986, 6.7 degrees in 2013, and 7.1 degrees in 2016.

On the same day, Srinagar recorded a maximum of 13.3 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam and Gulmarg had maximums of 10.6 and 8.2 degrees Celsius respectively, as reported by officials.

Additionally, Jammu saw a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, with residents expressing concern over the significant drop in temperatures, which has narrowed the gap between minimum and maximum readings to slightly over 3 degrees.

One resident, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, shared his experience: "I’m bundled up in a 'pheran' and carrying a 'kangri' under it to stay warm. I've relied on the kangri throughout the day." Bhat, who has lived in Jammu for three decades, enjoys these winter traditions, unlike many original residents of the city.

Throughout the day, fog lingered in Jammu, intensifying the chill, whereas Srinagar enjoyed bright sunshine, prompting many to step outside and soak up the warmth.

However, nights in the Valley remain extremely cold, with temperatures dropping due to clear skies. The absence of significant snowfall this winter has heightened concerns among the local populace.

The harsh winter period known as 'Chillai Kalan', which began on December 21 and will conclude on January 30, is traditionally characterized by heavy snowfall that replenishes water reservoirs in the mountains, providing essential water resources during the summer months.

The Met Department indicated that a weak Western Disturbance is expected to bring some precipitation to J&K on January 16, although snowfall in the plains is unlikely. However, there is a possibility of two consecutive disturbances between January 20 and January 24 that may finally yield the season's first snowfall in the plains.

Despite some snowfall in the mountains, it has not been substantial, as evidenced by the open status of the Srinagar-Leh highway through the Zojila Pass, indicating that heavier snowfall is still anticipated in the higher elevations of J&K.