Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Dec 5: Night temperatures recorded an improvement across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, with most stations in the Valley and Jammu region showing a rise from previous nights, while the Meteorological Department said that fog and dry weather will continue across the Kashmir Valley.
Sub-zero conditions, however, continued in several higher reaches of the Union Territory, officials said.
In the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar settled at 0.4°C, marking a rise after several freezing nights. Qazigund stood at minus 0.2°C, while Pahalgam recorded minus 1.8°C and Gulmarg 0.0°C.
Kupwara registered 0.2°C and Kokernag 0.8°C.
Some southern and central districts continued to record temperatures below freezing. Pampore stood at minus 3.0°C, Pulwama minus 2.6°C, Shopian minus 2.5°C, Anantnag minus 1.3°C and Budgam minus 0.6°C. Srinagar Airport posted minus 1.0°C and Awantipora minus 1.2°C.
Baramulla settled at 1.8°C and Ganderbal at minus 0.2°C. Among the coldest locations, Sonamarg recorded minus 1.2°C and Zojila minus 18.0°C. Zethan Rafiabad stood at minus 1.4°C.
In the Jammu region, temperatures remained relatively higher compared to the Valley. Jammu recorded 8.8°C, while Katra posted 8.5°C.
Banihal settled at 1.2°C, Batote 5.5°C, Bhaderwah 1.9°C and Kathua 6.8°C. Jammu Airport registered 9.5°C, the highest in the region. Udhampur stood at 3.6°C, Ramban 4.8°C, Samba 3.0°C, Rajouri 2.6°C, Kishtwar 6.0°C and Reasi 7.0°C.
In Ladakh, severe cold continued across most stations. Leh settled at minus 7.2°C and Kargil at minus 6.2°C. Drass recorded minus 5.7°C, Nubra Valley minus 5.4°C and Padum minus 9.1°C. Nyoma registered minus 15.2°C, Tangste minus 10.3°C and Upshi minus 10.1°C. Stakna stood at minus 7.6°C, Chuchot minus 8.3°C and Khaltse minus 4.1°C. Garkone was the warmest location in the Union Territory at 0.6°C.
According to the Meteorological Department, December 5 will remain generally cloudy with the possibility of very light snowfall over isolated higher reaches of north and central Kashmir.
December 6 and 7 are expected to remain generally dry. On December 8, skies may turn partly to generally cloudy with a brief spell of light snowfall over isolated high-altitude pockets.
From December 9 to 13, the weather is expected to remain mostly to partly cloudy across the UT with no major activity anticipated.
December 14 and 15 are also expected to see partly to generally cloudy conditions. A similar pattern is likely on December 16 and 17, with the chance of light snowfall over isolated higher reaches of north and central Kashmir.
The department has issued an advisory stating that shallow to moderate fog will continue at many places in the Kashmir division and at isolated places in Jammu, affecting visibility during morning and evening hours.
Meanwhile, independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif said the weather is expected to remain dry over the next 10 days.
He said a couple of weak Western Disturbances may pass during this period, but rain or snowfall activity is unlikely for now.
According to him, pollution levels are expected to increase further in the coming days, while water levels may continue to drop.
