MeT predicts extended wet spell from tonight

Srinagar, Feb 16: Night temperatures in Kashmir rose on Friday as the Valley braced for an extended wet spell starting from Saturday night.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) forecasted an extended wet spell in J&K from Saturday night till February 21 afternoon.

The forecast includes moderate to intense Western Disturbances affecting the region from February 17 afternoon onwards, leading to the likelihood of light snow in isolated higher reaches towards late Saturday night.

On February 18, generally cloudy weather with the possibility of light to moderate rain and snow is expected in many places.

From February 19 to 20, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow in most places, with the likelihood of heavy snowfall over certain districts during this period.

From February 21, there is a possibility of light to moderate snow at many places till the afternoon, with gradual improvement thereafter.

The MeT issued an advisory cautioning about the temporary closure of roads in higher reaches and important passes due to the weather system.

The travellers have been advised to plan accordingly while the farmers have been advised to manage irrigation and drainage in their fields.

The MeT officials here said that Srinagar recorded a low of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, up from minus 3 degrees Celsius the previous night, which was 2.6 degrees Celsius below normal for this time of year.

Qazigund, Pahalgam, Kokernag, Kupwara, and Gulmarg also experienced a rise in night temperatures. Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 1.2 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 0.4 degrees Celsius, Kupwara minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg minus 3.4 degrees Celsius.

The temperatures in these places were either below normal or slightly above normal.

Jammu recorded a minimum temperature of 9.2 degrees Celsius, which was below normal by 1.3 degrees Celsius.

Banihal recorded a low of 1 degree Celsius, Batote 4.6 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 2.4 degrees Celsius.

Kashmir is currently in the middle of the 20-day-long winter period Chillai Khurd, which ends on February 18, which would be followed by a 10-day Chillai Bachha that would start on February 19 and end on February 28.