New Delhi/Srinagar: A double-weather system has brought North India to a standstill this Friday. While the national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 4.0°C, its base station Safdarjung recently touched a three-year low of 2.9°C. Simultaneously, a fresh Western Disturbance has triggered snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu & Kashmir, ending a prolonged dry spell during the ‘Chillai Kalan’ period.
Snowfall in J&K and Chillai Kalan Update
According to the MeT Centre Srinagar, moderate snowfall has been reported in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and the Gurez Valley since early this morning. This precipitation is critical for replenishing the region’s glaciers. However, the accumulation has led to the closure of the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Highway (NH-244).
The Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road remains restricted, with authorities allowing only vehicles equipped with anti-skid chains to navigate the slippery Pir Ki Gali and Zojila stretches.
Delhi-NCR: Fog and Transport Disruptions
In Delhi, visibility dropped to less than 50 metres at Palam during the night, though it improved to 800 metres by 7:00 AM. Despite the slight improvement, the Northern Railways reported over 30 trains delayed, including the Vande Bharat and Rajdhani routes, with some running up to 6 hours behind schedule.
The IMD predicts that the “Yellow Alert” for fog and cold wave will persist through the weekend, with a second, stronger Western Disturbance expected to hit the region on January 19.
Key Highlights Box:
- Delhi Temperature: Safdarjung recorded 4.0°C; Palam recorded a low of 2.3°C.
- J&K Snowfall: 3–5 inches reported in higher reaches; plains remain cloudy.
- NH-44 Status: Open for two-way traffic for LMVs; slow movement due to single-lane stretches at Dalwas.
- Alert Level: Yellow alert for cold wave in NCR; Red alert for fog in Punjab and Haryana.
FAQ Section:
A1: Yes, NH-44 is open for two-way traffic as of 8:00 AM, but commuters are advised to avoid night travel due to shooting stone risks in the Ramban sector.
A2: Delhi schools reopened on Jan 16. No new closure orders have been issued, though some NCR districts have shifted to late-morning starts.
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AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
- Sign-off: Reported by KittoNews Desk | Edited by Senior Editor Gowhar Nabi.
- Source Transparency: Information is based on IMD Bulletin No. 16/2026, Northern Railway Status Reports, and the J&K Traffic Police Daily Advisory.
- Disclaimer: Weather and road conditions change rapidly in winter. Verify all travel plans with the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) or airline portals.
- Community Question: Are you witnessing snow in your district? Share your location and photos in the comments below.
- Accountability Footer: Found an error or have a news tip? Email kittonews@gmail.com.
