In the absence of snowfall and any significant rain during December 2014, Srinagar has witnessed the longest stretch of sub zero temperatures, this year. The minimum temperature remained below zero degree for over 38 days including 29 days of December and 9 days of January.
The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, witnesses sub zero minimum temperatures from mid November onwards that lasts till mid February. However, this pattern is broken at times due to heavy snowfall or rain that gives a marginal or, at times, substantial rise to minimum temperature in Srinagar.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, Srinagar has been witnessing the sub zero temperatures since 3rd December 2014 till date. December started on a bad note for Srinagar as the city missed both White Christmas and White New Year. Due to the absence of this significant weather system (snowfall/rain), residents of Srinagar could not get any relief from the extremely chilly nights.
However, the much awaited break, from the sub zero temperatures, was frequent in last couple of years. While in 2013, minimum temperatures rose marginally on two occasions. The first break occurred from 7th -8th December and the second lasted for three days from 26th -29th December.
Similarly, in 2012, seven days of relief from sub zero night temperatures happened from 13th-20th December followed by a period of 28th-30th December.
According to Skymet, light rain expected in parts of Jammu and Kashmir on 12th-13th January is likely to bring a slight rise in the sub zero temperatures.
