Jammu and Kashmir experienced relief from the cold as temperatures rose across the region, except in Gulmarg, due to cloud cover overnight, officials reported on Saturday.
According to a meteorological department official, Srinagar saw a minimum temperature of 1.2°C, a significant increase from the previous night’s minus 3.3°C, and above the normal range for this time of the year. Qazigund recorded a minimum of 1.4°C, 3.4°C above normal, while Pahalgam and Kokernag also saw milder temperatures compared to the previous night.
In north Kashmir, Kupwara recorded 1.3°C, 3.9°C above normal, while Gulmarg, the famous skiing resort, experienced a low of minus 1.5°C, still above normal by 4.3°C.
Jammu reported a minimum of 10.5°C, slightly below normal, and other towns like Banihal, Batote, and Bhaderwah also saw relatively mild temperatures.
The Kashmir valley is currently in the midst of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ a 40-day harsh winter period. While this period will end on January 30, winter will continue with ‘Chillai-Khurd’ and ‘Chillai-Bachha’ following until March 1.
The weather forecast indicates generally dry conditions from December 24-26, with the possibility of light snow in isolated higher reaches on December 27. Dry weather is expected from December 28-31, with no significant weather activity until the end of December, according to the meteorological department. TRK News
