Srinagar, Dec 5: Kashmir experienced a respite from the cold snap on Friday as night temperatures rose above normal across the valley, officials said. Overcast skies contributed to a notable increase in mercury readings, providing relief to residents from the biting winter chill.
In Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, the night temperature settled at 0.4°C, up from –4°C the previous night. Other parts of the valley also recorded warmer nights: Qazigund at –0.2°C, Kupwara at 0.2°C, Kokernag at 0.8°C, Pahalgam at –1.8°C, and Gulmarg at 0°C. Konibal in Pulwama remained the coldest spot in the Union Territory at –3.0°C.
The Meteorological Department said a brief spell of light snow could occur in higher reaches late on Friday. The weather is expected to remain generally dry on December 6-7, with another isolated snow event likely in higher areas on December 8.
The rise in temperatures has brought a welcome break from sub-zero nights, but residents in higher-altitude areas are advised to remain cautious due to the possibility of snowfall.