Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam record minus temperatures

Srinagar, Nov 17: While there has been a significant improvement in weather conditions across Kashmir, tourist resorts of Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam recorded minus temperatures marking the season’s lowest readings so far.

Kashmir Valley experienced its first significant snowfall of the season in higher reaches and rains in the plains on Saturday, resulting in a sharp decline in temperatures across the region.

The Meteorological Department officials said Sonamarg in Ganderbal district plunged to a bone-chilling -5.3 degrees Celsius, the lowest temperature recorded this season.

Pahalgam, in Anantnag, registered a minimum of minus 2 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg, the skiing destination in Baramulla, recorded minus 1.8 degrees Celsius.

The dip in temperatures followed fresh snowfall in the upper reaches, which blanketed Kashmir in white and brought a cold wave to the Valley.

Other weather stations across Kashmir also reported a significant drop in mercury.

Srinagar, recorded a maximum temperature of 12.2 degrees Celsius on Saturday, which was 3.7 degrees Celsius below the normal for this time of year.

The night temperatures hovered between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius, above normal across various parts of the Valley.

The day temperatures across Kashmir also saw a decline of 2 to 9 degrees Celsius following the weekend's inclement weather.

The weather improved significantly on Sunday, with sunshine returning to Srinagar and other parts of the Valley.

The Meteorological (MeT) Department has forecast dry weather across the region till November 23.

However, another wet spell is likely to hit the region on November 24, with light rain and snow expected over higher reaches and scattered locations in Kashmir, as well as isolated areas in the Jammu division.

Post-November 24, the weather is expected to remain generally dry till the end of the month, offering some respite to residents and tourists alike.