The white pearls called snow are soon going to fall from Srinagar’s sky for two days. The eager wait for season’s first snowfall is likely to end tonight as heavy rainfall lash the hilly state of Jammu and Kashmir and fresh snowflakes blankets Srinagar tomorrow onwards. Markets are already abuzz with people stocking up woolens and Pherans and Kangri to enjoy the snowfall while kids are preparing to relive the childhood memory of playing with snowballs.
As rain and snow makes an appearance, the maximum or day temperature is expected to become normal or even drop below normal. Maximums have been hovering above normal by 6-7°C in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir in past few days. Minimum temperature is also likely to rise by 1-2°C.
The period of 'Chillai Kalan' - the 40-day harshest winter period – has been so far devoid of any snowfall or significant rain. Residents of the valley had to satiate themselves with the news of occasional snowfall in the higher reaches of the hilly state. Srinagar has already missed a white Christmas and white new year this year due to absence of any snow.
The star attraction for tourists in Srinagar, snowfall, has kept all waiting for a prolonged time. However, due to fresh western disturbance, Srinagar, other parts of Jammu and Kashmir and neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will receive snowfall in next 24 hours.