Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Feb 2: While the prolonged dry spell has ended with the two-day wet spell in the Valley, several areas of Kashmir here have recorded the lowest temperature in the last 16 years. Besides, Jammu and Kashmir is expected to receive the two-day wet spell from tomorrow (Saturday).
According to the data shared by the local Meteorological department here reads that Sonamarg, was the coldest in Kashmir at minus 15.1 degree Celsius.
Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort resort has recorded a low of minus 12.0 degree Celsius while Pahalgam recorded a minimum temperature of minus 11.9 degree Celsius.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir however, recorded a low of minus 0.3 degree Celsius.
Kokernag in south Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of minus 9.4 degree Celsius.
According to the details, the south Kashmir parts have witnessed the cold wave as some of the areas recorded the lowest temperature, surpassing the previous records.
Similarly, Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir, recorded the lowest temperature in the last 16 years at minus 9.4 degree Celsius.
As per an Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng, three other stations including Batote, Banihal and Bhaderwah recorded the lowest temperature in the last 16 years.
Batote recorded a low of minus 3.8 degree Celsius while Banihal and Bhaderwah recorded the minimum temperature of minus 6.8 degree Celsius and minus 5.2 degree Celsius respectively.
Meanwhile, Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said that for the next two days from tomorrow, there is a possibility of light to moderate snow and rain at many places towards evening till 4th February evening with chances of heavy snowfall over isolated higher reaches.
“Middle and higher reaches of North, Northwestern and South Kashmir may receive 8-12 inches of snow, lower reaches and plains may receive 3-6 inches, while plains of Central Kashmir may receive rain with 1-2 inches of snow,” Director MeT predicted.
In Jammu division, he said, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning with light to moderate snow over higher reaches of Pirpanjal Range and Chenab Valley during the above period.
On February 05, the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy with possibility of light snow over isolated higher reaches.
From February 06-13, the weather is expected to remain dry.
In the meantime, a low danger avalanche warning has been issued for four districts in the next 24 hours.
“Avalanche with low danger level is likely to occur above 2400 metres over Bandipore, Baramulla, Kupwara & Ganderbal districts in next 24 hours,” the statement reads, adding that the avalanche with medium danger level is likely to occur above 3000 metres over Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, & Ramban districts in next 24 hours.
People living in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas, the statement added.
