Ahead of a fresh Western Disturbance expected to bring light to moderate snowfall across the Kashmir Valley from Tuesday, the night temperatures witnessed a noticeable rise at most places in the region.
According to the latest meteorological data, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 3°C, up sharply from 0.8°C the previous night.
Qazigund , the gateway town of Kashmir, also saw an increase as the mercury settled at 1.4°C, compared to 0.0°C a night earlier.
Gulmarg, the famed ski resort, remained below freezing at –2°C, though slightly warmer than the previous night’s –2.2°C.
The hill resort of Pahalgam recorded a minimum of 0.4°C, a significant rise from –1.9°C on the previous night, while Kupwara in north Kashmir saw temperatures climb to 1.8°C from 0.2°C.
Pulwama registered –0.5°C, and Shopian recorded 0.2°C, indicating a general upward trend across south Kashmir as well.
Meteorological officials said the rise in night temperatures is typical ahead of an approaching Western Disturbance, which is expected to affect the region over the next 24 hours.
MeT officials have predicted generally cloudy weather with light rain or snowfall at many places in Kashmir from December 31 to January 1. They said that a few middle and higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir are likely to receive moderate snowfall during this period.
On January 2, weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with light rain or snow over scattered places. From January 3 to January 8, the Valley is likely to experience partly cloudy conditions, while January 9 and 10 may see partly to generally cloudy weather again.
An advisory has been issued for travellers and transporters, urging them to strictly follow traffic and administrative advisories in view of possible snowfall and slippery road conditions.
