MeT predicts rain, snow in J&K as cold weather grips Valley

Srinagar, Nov 26: The Meteorological Department (MeT) Tuesday predicted wet weather in Jammu and Kashmir from November 30 to December 2, with rain and snow expected at various locations.

According to MeT officials, the weather would remain dry until November 29.

However, from the evening of November 30, light rain and snow are likely, especially in higher altitudes and a few scattered areas.

December 1 and 2 are expected to witness inclement weather, with more widespread light rain and snow likely across both Kashmir and Jammu divisions.

According to the MeT office, afterwards, dry conditions are anticipated until December 6.

The cold wave has tightened its grip on Kashmir, with most areas experiencing freezing night time temperatures except for Srinagar and Kokernag.

The tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Pahalgam remain the coldest locations.

Gulmarg, in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, recorded a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius for the second day in a row, slightly below the normal temperature for this time of year.

Pahalgam, in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, recorded a dip to minus 2.7 degrees Celsius, colder than the minus 2.3 degrees Celsius recorded the previous night and 0.6 degrees Celsius below normal.

Srinagar’s minimum temperature improved to 0.7 degrees Celsius, compared to the unusually warm 4 degrees Celsius the night before.

This is slightly above the seasonal average.

Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded minus 0.8 degrees Celsius, dropping from 5 degrees Celsius the previous night while Kokernag recorded 1.8 degrees Celsius, slightly lower than the 2.8 degrees Celsius recorded on Monday.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded minus 0.8 degrees Celsius, falling from 1.2 degrees Celsius.

The residents of Jammu and Kashmir found relief from an extended dry spell as it received much-needed rainfall, while the higher-altitude areas experienced the season’s first snowfall last week.

The prolonged dry weather had adversely impacted the agriculture sector, fueled widespread viral infections, and hindered the tourism industry.

However, the snowfall brought a wave of hope as a thin blanket of snow enveloped the hills of Kashmir, the surrounding ranges of Bhaderwah Valley, and parts of Ramban, Kishtwar, Udhampur, and Sarthal in the Jammu division.