Sajid Raina

Srinagar, Feb 7: Minimum temperatures across Kashmir rose over the past 24 hours, while fresh snowfall in higher reaches led to a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures, officials said on Saturday.
As per details, Srinagar recorded a minimum of 3.0 degrees Celsius on Friday night, up from minus 2.5 degrees Celsius on Thursday, marking an increase of 5.5 degrees.
In Pahalgam, a key tourist destination, the minimum temperature climbed by seven degrees, from minus 7.5 degrees Celsius to minus 0.5 degrees Celsius.
Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district remained the coldest place in the valley, registering a low of minus 6.5 degrees Celsius.
Other areas recorded minimum temperatures with Qazigund at 0.6 degrees Celsius, Kokernag at minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara at 1.4 degrees Celsius.
Officials said fresh snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches of Gulmarg and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district, along with adjoining areas, overnight.
A light drizzle occurred in the plains of the valley during early hours of Saturday, contributing to a fall in daytime temperatures. Dense cloud cover was observed over most parts of the valley.
Weather officials said the valley is expected to remain generally dry till the evening of February 9, with light snow possible over some higher reaches by night.
Light rain or snow is likely at many places on February 10, followed by light snow at a few higher reaches on February 11. The period from February 12 to 13 is expected to remain mostly dry, with no major rain or snowfall forecast until February 16.
Tourism authorities in Gulmarg and Pahalgam have maintained that winter sports activities are ongoing as usual, though they have advised visitors to take precautions in higher altitude areas where fresh snow has accumulated.
Officials said the current weather pattern, combining rising night temperatures with daytime snow and cloud cover, is typical for the ‘Chillai Khurd’ period and reflects seasonal variability across the valley.