Light Snowfall Forecast in Higher Reaches of Kashmir Till Dec 17: MeT

Srinagar, Dec 13: The Meteorological Department on Saturday forecast the possibility of very light snowfall at isolated places in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir between December 13 and 17, even as minimum temperatures across the valley showed a slight rise due to overcast skies.

Officials said Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.9 degrees Celsius on Friday night, up from minus 3.6 degrees Celsius the previous night, though it remained 1.7 degrees below normal. Dense fog enveloped Srinagar and several other parts of the valley, particularly areas near water bodies.

In south Kashmir, Qazigund registered a low of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag recorded 0.1 degrees Celsius. In north Kashmir, Kupwara settled at minus 2.4 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg, the ski resort, recorded a minimum of 1.6 degrees Celsius, up from zero, while Pahalgam logged minus 2.8 degrees Celsius.

Pulwama emerged as the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir with a low of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Shopian at minus 3.7 degrees Celsius.

Kashmir is gradually approaching ‘Chillai Kalan’, the harshest 40-day winter period beginning December 21, when temperatures drop sharply and snowfall chances increase. The valley has so far witnessed a largely dry winter, leading to a rise in seasonal ailments such as cough and cold, prompting doctors to advise precautionary measures, especially for children and the elderly.

The Met said weather is likely to remain partly to generally cloudy on December 18 and 19, with chances of light rain or snow at scattered places on December 20 and 21. Shallow to moderate fog is expected to persist at many locations across the valley in the coming days. (Agencies)