MeT predicts cloudy weather, isolated snowfall in north and central Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 7: A slight rise in night temperatures brought some relief across the Kashmir Valley on Sunday, although most places continued to remain below the freezing point as winter conditions steadily tighten their grip. Weather officials said the region is likely to witness a brief spell of light snowfall in the higher reaches early next week, even as the plains are expected to stay largely dry.

The picturesque Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir, known for serving as the base camp of the annual Amarnath Yatra, remained the coldest location in Jammu and Kashmir. The mercury dropped to minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, highlighting the onset of deeper winter chills in the region’s mountainous pockets. Pulwama too experienced severe cold with the minimum dipping to minus 3.8 degrees Celsius.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, an improvement of more than three degrees compared to the previous night. The slight rise has brought some respite from the sharp cold wave, although freezing conditions persist across mornings and evenings.

In other key towns, Qazigund, the traditional gateway to the Valley, reported a low of minus 1 degree Celsius. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded minus 0.8 degrees, while Kokernag in south Kashmir registered a minimum of 1.1 degrees Celsius, the only station to stay above the freezing level. Popular ski destination Gulmarg settled at minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, indicating moderately cold conditions in the upper reaches.

According to the Meteorological Department, the weather in Kashmir is expected to remain largely dry and partly cloudy on December 6 and 7. However, a weak Western Disturbance is likely to influence the region from December 8, bringing the possibility of light snowfall at isolated locations in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir. Officials clarified that while snowfall is not expected to be widespread or heavy, it may affect remote mountainous belts.

The MeT office added that temperatures are likely to fall further once the cloud cover clears after December 8, a common pattern during early winter in the Valley. Residents have been advised to prepare for colder nights ahead as January’s harsh “Chillai Kalan” slowly approaches.

Transporters and travellers heading to upper reaches have been urged to stay updated on weather advisories as even light snowfall in elevated terrain can cause slippery conditions. Tourists visiting Pahalgam and Gulmarg have also been asked to plan accordingly.