Srinagar, Jan 18 (IANS) Minimum temperature again slipped several notches below zero in the Valley on Sunday as Jammu and Kashmir faced a 96 per cent rain deficit in the first fortnight of January, the Meteorological Department said.

Meteorological Department officials said that during the first fortnight of this month, Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 96 per cent rain deficit, which is alarming because there is a probability of early bloom in trees that will not mature into fruit due to the low temperatures in February and March.

Early bloom in fruit trees spells disaster for fruit growers in the Valley, and if there is no imminent rain or snow, the agriculture and horticulture sectors will be the worst affected in recent years.

Contrary to common belief, horticulture, and not tourism, is the mainstay of Kashmir’s economy.

The 40-day-long period of harsh winter cold called the ‘Chillai Kalan’ will end on January 30, and unless a major snowfall occurs in Jammu and Kashmir, summer is going to be difficult because of water scarcity for drinking purposes, agricultural and horticultural irrigation.

The Meteorological Department has forecast snowfall in the higher reaches and also the plains of the Valley between January 22 and 24.

“A Western Disturbance will be active over J&K between January 22 and January 24. This is expected to bring rain/snow in Jammu and Kashmir, and the plains of the Valley are likely to get their first snowfall of this season,” the Meteorological Department officials said.

So far, there has been no major snowfall in the Valley as Srinagar city and other plains are yet to receive this season’s first snowfall.

All hopes of locals are now pinned on this forecast.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, and Pahalgam minus 6 degrees Celsius.

Jammu city registered a minimum temperature of 5.5 degrees Celsius, Katra town 6.6 degrees Celsius, Batote 3.7 degrees Celsius, Banihal minus 2.4 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah minus one degree Celsius.

The maximum temperature was 20.1 degrees Celsius in Jammu and 11.2 degrees Celsius in Srinagar on Saturday.

–IANS

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