Night temperatures improve in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 12: Kashmir experienced a slight improvement in minimum temperatures, particularly higher reaches on Wednesday even as the Meteorological Department (MeT) predicted a fresh spell of wet weather at scattered places in the coming days.

According to the MeT, the night temperatures showed improvement across Kashmir, including Srinagar, due to overcast skies.

However, minimum temperatures remained below the freezing point in most parts of Kashmir.

Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3 degrees Celsius, a notable rise from the season’s lowest of minus 5.4 degrees Celsius recorded the previous night.

Gulmarg ski resort in north Kashmir registered a minimum temperature of minus 6 degrees Celsius, an increase of 3 degrees from the previous night.

In south Kashmir, Pahalgam health resort recorded a significant improvement with a low of minus 1.8 degrees Celsius compared to the bone-chilling minus 8.4 degrees Celsius the night before.

Other areas also experienced a respite from harsher temperatures, with Qazigund recording minus 4.4 degrees Celsius, Kupwara in north Kashmir minus 4.5 degrees Celsius, and Kokernag in south Kashmir minus 2 degrees Celsius.

The improvement in temperatures comes after snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir on Sunday night.

However, the plains of Kashmir have yet to receive snowfall this winter.

The MeT has predicted mainly dry conditions across Kashmir until December 18, with a possibility of light snowfall at isolated higher-altitude locations.

They said a fresh weak Western Disturbance is expected to bring light rain or snow to scattered areas, particularly in the higher reaches from Wednesday night to Thursday forenoon.

Despite the recent improvement in temperatures, the MeT has forecast a gradual drop in night-time temperatures by 2 degrees Celsius in the next 24 hours, leading to cold wave conditions in isolated areas of Kashmir, Jammu, and Ladakh.

The prolonged dry conditions have adversely impacted water levels in Kashmir’s rivers, springs, and other sources, raising concerns about water scarcity.

Many areas have reported freezing water supply pipes, and Kashmir is also witnessing a rise in seasonal illnesses like coughs and colds due to the frigid weather.

Issuing an advisory, the MeT cautioned tourists, travellers, and transporters about sub-zero temperatures and icy conditions on roads, especially over critical mountain passes and higher altitudes. It advised adhering to guidelines issued by the administration and traffic authorities.