SRINAGAR: Temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir showed signs of improvement today, with meteorologists predicting further relief in the coming days. However, the ongoing winter chill remains prominent, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, where Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season so far at -0.4°C. The sharp drop in temperature underscores the onset of harsher winter conditions in the region.
Other parts of Kashmir also reported freezing conditions overnight. Qazigund recorded a low of -2.0°C, while Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination, shivered at -3.2°C. Kupwara saw the mercury dip to -0.9°C, and Kokernag stood at a slightly milder 0.7°C. Notably, Gulmarg, a favoured skiing destination, registered 0.0°C, while the picturesque Sonamarg saw a minimum of -1.6°C. Shopian, known for its orchards, experienced the coldest night in the Valley at -3.9°C, followed by Anantnag at -3.5°C and Pulwama at -3.4°C.
In Jammu, temperatures remained relatively mild compared to Kashmir, with the city of Jammu recording 10.6°C. The hill towns of Banihal and Batote reported lows of 2.3°C and 5.1°C respectively, while Bhaderwah recorded 2.5°C and Kishtwar dipped to 5.4°C. Padder in the Chenab Valley stood out with a sub-zero temperature of -5.4°C. Other areas such as Kathua, Ramban, Reasi, and Samba recorded minimum temperatures ranging from 7.3°C to 10.8°C, indicating a more temperate winter in the plains.
In the Ladakh region, the cold was even more biting. Leh recorded a minimum temperature of -6.6°C, while Kargil dipped to -5.9°C. Drass, often referred to as the second coldest inhabited place on earth, lived up to its reputation with a bone-chilling -8.9°C.
The improved weather conditions offer a respite to residents and travellers alike, though the winter season has firmly taken hold. With predictions of further improvement in temperatures, the region can expect some temporary relief from the harsh cold. The data was compiled by Kashmir Weather, a reliable source for updates on climatic conditions in the region.
Meanwhile, the weatherman said that there is a possibility of a gradual drop in the night temperature onwards.
Director Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that as there is no forecast of any major wet spell, the night temperature may go further down in Kashmir including Srinagar in the coming days.
“In plains, it may go down and settle around -3 degrees Celsius while in higher reaches, it may go down up to -5 degrees Celsius,” he said, adding that from November 22nd, there is a possibility of light snowfall in higher reaches and rains in plains, but as far as the forecast is concerned, no major activity is excepted till November 25.
About the air quality index, he said that the present status is moderate, but in case the dry spell persists, poor AQI is expected in the Valley.
He also said that the foggy mornings can also be witnessed in the coming days in case the present dry spell gets extended
