Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Oct 21
Night temperatures across Kashmir are nearing freezing levels, with Shopian recording the lowest minimum at 0.8 degrees Celsius, while a fresh spell of rain and snowfall is forecast from October 24, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar said.
Awantipora recorded a minimum of 1.2 degrees Celsius and Pulwama 1.3 degrees Celsius. Sonamarg and Pahalgam registered 1.4 degrees Celsius each, while Gulmarg recorded 2.2 degrees Celsius.
Srinagar’s minimum temperature was 4.4 degrees Celsius, 1.4 degrees below normal. Anantnag recorded 3.2 degrees Celsius, Budgam 3.3 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 3.4 degrees Celsius, Qazigund 3.8 degrees Celsius, Ganderbal 4.2 degrees Celsius, Bandipora 4.3 degrees Celsius, Kulgam 4.8 degrees Celsius, and Kokernag 5.4 degrees Celsius.
Daytime temperatures have remained around 23 degrees Celsius, keeping conditions relatively mild despite the sharp chill after sunset.
Maximum temperatures dropped between October 12 and 15 following intermittent rain in the plains and snowfall in higher areas.
Cloud cover during that period, however, kept minimum temperatures above normal.
The weather centre has forecast light rain in scattered plains areas and fresh snowfall in higher reaches from October 24.
Maximum temperatures are expected to fall during the spell, while cloud cover could temporarily raise minimum temperatures.
Dry weather is forecast to return on October 25 and continue through the end of the month.
“By November, minimum temperatures at most stations are likely to be close to or below zero,” a Meteorological Centre official said, adding that the cold would intensify with the onset of winter in December.
The cooling trend has also spread to the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal districts of Jammu division. Bhaderwah recorded a minimum of 4.8 degrees Celsius, Banihal 4.9 degrees Celsius and Rajouri 9.5 degrees Celsius.
Minimum temperatures in Reasi, Kathua, and Udhampur ranged from 12 to 16 degrees Celsius, while daytime temperatures in Jammu remained around 30 degrees Celsius.
