Srinagar, Dec 23: Most Meteorological Stations in Kashmir Report Above-Freezing Temperatures, Except for Gulmarg
On Saturday, officials revealed that all Meteorological (MeT) stations in Kashmir, with the exception of Gulmarg, recorded temperatures above freezing amid an overnight cloud cover. According to a meteorological department official, Srinagar experienced a minimum temperature of 1.2°C, compared to minus 3.3°C the previous night, remaining above the normal range for this time of the year.
Qazigund reported a minimum temperature of 1.4°C, up from minus 3.3°C, with the temperature being 3.4°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir. Pahalgam, a renowned resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of 0.2°C, rising from minus 4.8°C, and exceeding the normal temperature by 5.2°C.
Kokernag in south Kashmir reported a minimum temperature of 1.2°C, up from minus 3.0°C, and Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of 1.3°C, compared to minus 3.4°C on the previous night, showing a 3.9°C increase above normal.
Gulmarg, the famous skiing resort in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 1.5°C, slightly higher than the previous night’s minus 1.0°C, with the temperature standing 4.3°C above normal.
Jammu reported a minimum of 10.5°C, down from 8.5°C on the previous night, falling below normal by 2.0°C for the winter capital of J&K. Banihal recorded 6.6°C, Batote 8.5°C, and Bhaderwah 7.4°C.
The Kashmir valley is currently experiencing ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ a 40-day harsh winter period that will continue until January 30. Following this, ‘Chillai-Khurd’ will occur between January 30 and February 19, followed by ‘Chillai-Bachha’ from February 20 to March 1.
The weather is expected to be generally dry from December 24-26, with generally cloudy conditions and the possibility of light snow over isolated higher reaches on December 27. Dry weather is anticipated from December 28-31, with no significant weather activity expected until the end of December, according to the MeT official.
