Rains, snow over higher reaches during next 48 hours: MeT

Srinagar, Oct 22: The Meteorological Department on Tuesday predicted light rain and snow over the higher reaches of Kashmir during the next 48 hours.

However, MeT officials said that there is no significant rainfall expected in the plains, and dry weather is likely to persist across much of the Valley until the end of the month.

“There is a possibility of very light rain or snow over the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir late on the night of October 23 and early morning of October 24,” MeT officials said. Plains, however, are expected to remain mostly dry, with only a slight drizzle possible during this period.

The officials said a minor Western Disturbance could affect the J&K by October 28. This disturbance may bring light rain and snow to higher altitudes in north and central Kashmir, especially in the evening or night time. Beyond that, the weather is expected to remain largely stable, with no major forecasted disruptions until November.

Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif said that there is possibility of snowfall at the ski resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla district, Sonamarg in Ganderbal district, and Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Ladakh highway on October 24. These higher elevations are expected to experience precipitation, while lower areas will continue with dry conditions.

Temperatures remain above average for this time of year, though they are anticipated to gradually decrease as winter approaches.

In Srinagar, the minimum temperature on Monday night was recorded at 7.3 degrees Celsius, 1.9 degrees above normal. Daytime temperatures also registered above-average highs, with the maximum temperature hitting 21.9 degrees Celsius, a full 4.3 degrees Celsius higher than typical for this season.

With the arrival of winter, the Kashmir will likely witness a gradual drop in both day and night temperatures in the coming weeks. However, until the end of October, no major weather disturbances are on the horizon.