Higher reaches receive snowfall, temperatures rise across Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 16: The higher reaches of Kashmir Valley received fresh snowfall on Friday, even as minimum temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh recorded a rise compared to Thursday.
Officials said that the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg and parts of north Kashmir such as Gurez Valley and Razdan Top, received fresh snowfall.
“Snowfall is very likely over the higher reaches of Kupwara and Bandipora, including Razdan Top, Gurez and Tulail Valley, as well as Ganderbal areas such as Sonamarg and its surroundings and the Sonamarg–Drass axis, and Anantnag areas including Pahalgam, Chandanwari and Aru Valley,” an independent forecaster, ‘Kashmir Weather’ said.
It added that light snowfall is also possible at Gulmarg and along the Pir Panjal range, including the Mughal Road, Sinthan Top and Margan Top.
At the time of filing this report, snowfall was continuing in these areas, while minimum temperatures showed a slight rise following the snowfall.
In Kashmir region, Srinagar recorded a minimum of minus 1.5 degrees Celsius on Friday, up from minus 3.9 degrees Celsius a day earlier. Qazigund saw its minimum rise to minus 1.6 degrees from minus 4.7 degrees, while Pahalgam recorded minus 2.6 degrees compared to minus 5.0 degrees on Thursday. Kupwara improved to minus 1.4 degrees from minus 4.9 degrees.
South Kashmir stations also reported higher minimums. Anantnag recorded minus 2.8 degrees, compared to minus 5.7 degrees the previous day, while Pulwama and Shopian registered minus 4.6 degrees and minus 3.9 degrees respectively, up from minus 6.1 degrees each. Kokernag recorded 0.2 degrees, compared to minus 1.1 degrees on Thursday.
In north and central Kashmir, Baramulla rose to 0.4 degrees from minus 2.2 degrees, Bandipora to minus 0.7 degrees from minus 2.7 degrees, and Ganderbal to 0.1 degrees from minus 2.6 degrees. Srinagar airport recorded a minimum of minus 2.8 degrees, compared to minus 5.0 degrees a day earlier.
Gulmarg recorded minus 2.3 degrees, up from minus 3.2 degrees.
In Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 4.7 degrees on Friday, marginally higher than Thursday’s 4.4 degrees. Banihal recorded 2.9 degrees against 1.9 degrees, while Batote rose to 7.7 degrees from 4.9 degrees.
Katra recorded 8.8 degrees, compared to 6.8 degrees the previous day. Bhaderwah and Udhampur recorded 2.0 degrees and 3.0 degrees, respectively, up from sub-zero readings on Thursday.
Ladakh remained colder, with Leh recording minus 8.8 degrees, Hanle minus 11.2 degrees, Kargil minus 8.3 degrees and Nubra Valley minus 7.1 degrees.
According to the weatherman, no major weather activity is expected till January 21, with light snowfall likely at scattered places on January 19 and 20.
From January 22 to 24, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain or snow at most places, while some districts of the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal range and south Kashmir may receive heavier precipitation.
An advisory has been issued warning of the possibility of heavy rain or snow in parts of the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal range and south Kashmir, along with the risk of landslides at vulnerable locations.
Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations during this period, it added. (KNO)