Srinagar, Feb 5: Even as night temperatures dipped across Kashmir on Wednesday, meteorological officials said the region is likely to witness largely dry weather conditions till mid-February.
The summer capital Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, down from 3.0 degrees a day earlier. Weather officials attributed the dip to clearer skies following recent snowfall and rainfall, a pattern that often results in colder nights across the Valley.
In south Kashmir, Qazigund recorded a low of minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag logged a minimum of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius. North Kashmir’s Kupwara district was among the coldest places in the Valley, with temperatures plunging to minus 2.4 degrees Celsius.
Tourist destinations continued to experience intense cold conditions. Gulmarg, the famed ski resort, shivered at minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 8.1 degrees Celsius. Officials at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar, said there is no significant weather activity expected in Jammu and Kashmir till February 15. However, they noted that a feeble western disturbance may affect the region on February 6, bringing light rainfall or snowfall over isolated higher reaches.
Another weak western disturbance is expected to approach between February 9 and 10. “Under its influence, light rain or snow is forecast over the upper reaches, while the rest of the region is likely to remain dry,” an IMD official said. Advising farmers, officials said routine agricultural activities such as fertiliser application could continue, but irrigation should be suspended in view of the possibility of rain or snow in some areas. Meanwhile, authorities have advised travellers and transporters to check road and highway conditions before undertaking journeys. Residents in snow-bound and avalanche-prone areas have also been urged to avoid vulnerable slopes as a precautionary measure.
