No Western Disturbances in Kashmir from Iran and Iraq

Srinagar, Dec 6 (UNI) People in Kashmir continued to face dry, but severe cold weather in the absence of strong Western Disturbances (WD) coming from Iran and Iraq through Afghanistan and Pakistan.

''We are receiving ''weak'' WDs which are not enough to cause heavy rain or snowfall,'' Director Met department N P Bhatnagar told UNI.

He said there could be light rain or snowfall at some places.

However, he said, the minimum and maximum temperature was almost normal because of cloudy weather.

The night temperature was recorded at minus 0.5, while the day temperature at 1430 hours was 9.2 degrees Celsius, he added.

He said the WD actually originates from Arabian sea, mostly Iran and Iraq, and enters the state through Afghanistan and Pakistan. But this time the entire region is facing dry weather because of weak WD.

Till now the coldest night was recorded on November 28, when the minimum temperature dipped to minus 4.8 degrees freezing parts of the Dal Lake and water tapes.

Mr Bhatnagar said because of cloudy weather, the temperature has registered a rise. However, when the sky remains open the night becomes colder.

Meanwhile, the water level in two main rivers-- Jehlum and Sindh -- and their tributaries has come down sharply affecting power generation in local hydel projects. It has also affected water supply. People at several places protested against frequent and unscheduled power curtailment.

The prices of woolen and other warm cloths, besides coal has also increased due to high demand in the market because of severe cold.

UNI