SRINAGAR: Minimum temperatures across much of Kashmir rose on Friday due to overcast conditions, offering residents brief relief from the prevailing cold, officials said.
Srinagar recorded a low of 0.2°C, more than two degrees higher than the minus 2.2°C recorded on Wednesday night. Despite the improvement, several high-altitude areas continued to experience sub-zero temperatures.
Sonamarg in central Kashmir was the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir, registering a minimum of minus 4.7°C, up from minus 7.3°C the previous night. Gulmarg, north Kashmir’s ski resort, followed closely with a low of minus 4.5°C.
In south Kashmir, Pahalgam, which also serves as a base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.6°C, compared to minus 4.4°C a night earlier. Elsewhere, Qazigund and Kokernag reported lows of 0.2°C and 0.8°C respectively, while Kupwara recorded minus 2.4°C.
The Meteorological Department has forecast generally dry weather across Kashmir until December 28. However, it said there is a likelihood of wet spells around New Year’s Eve, with light snowfall expected at isolated higher reaches on December 29.
The weather office also indicated the possibility of light rain in the plains and light snow in higher areas between December 30 and January 1.
