Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Feb 10: Fresh snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday, while several areas in the plains received rainfall, even as temperatures showed a marginal improvement across Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
Light snowfall occurred in the middle and upper reaches of the Valley, including tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Tangmarg and Pahalgam, besides Gurez, Sadhna Pass, Dubjan–Herpora, Peer Ki Gali and the Daksum–Sinthan top areas.
Parts of the Kashmir plains witnessed intermittent rainfall during the afternoon, officials said.
The Meteorological Department said light rain or snow is likely at most places on Wednesday. From February 11 to 20, the weather is expected to remain largely dry, with brief spells of light snowfall over a few higher reaches on February 14 and 17.
Temperatures improved noticeably across the Union Territory on Tuesday. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 3.3 degrees Celsius, while Jammu city registered 12.3 degrees Celsius.
Among other places, Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius and Pahalgam minus 0.4 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, Katra town recorded a minimum temperature of 11.2 degrees Celsius, Batote 6.1 degrees Celsius, Banihal 3.2 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 2.4 degrees Celsius, the department said.
Day temperatures also showed an upward trend, with Srinagar recording a maximum of 10.6 degrees Celsius, while Jammu touched 22.4 degrees Celsius.
The weather office has forecast generally cloudy conditions across Jammu and Kashmir, with the possibility of light rain, snow and gusty winds at many places.
A partly cloudy day with chances of light rain or snow at isolated locations is expected on Wednesday, followed by generally dry weather on Wednesday and Thursday.
Cloudy weather with the possibility of light snowfall over isolated higher reaches has been predicted for Friday.
Partly cloudy to generally cloudy conditions are likely on February 15 and 16, while February 17 may see generally cloudy weather with light rain or snow at scattered places. From February 18 to 20, partly cloudy weather is expected.
The Meteorological Department has issued an advisory asking travellers and transporters to check the status of highways with the concerned authorities and strictly follow official advisories.
Residents of snow-bound areas have been advised to avoid venturing into avalanche-prone higher reaches.
Officials said that, based on current trends, February may end with an overall deficit in rainfall across the region.
