Fresh Snowfall In Higher Reaches; Cloud Cover In Plains Improves Night Temperatures

Srinagar, Dec 14: Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, along with cloud cover across the plains, led to a slight improvement in night temperatures on Saturday, though cold conditions continued to prevail in several areas.

Snowfall was reported from higher-altitude regions including Zojila Pass, Minamarg, Baltal and the Tulail Valley, offering temporary relief from the ongoing cold wave. According to data compiled by independent weather channel Kashmir Weather, snow accumulation ranged between 1 centimetre and nearly 3 inches.

Following the snowfall, minimum temperatures showed a marginal rise at many places, while plains remained largely under cloud cover. In the Kashmir region, Srinagar recorded a low of 2.0°C, Qazigund 0.8°C, Pahalgam 2.4°C, Kupwara 1.2°C, Kokernag 0.8°C, Gulmarg 1.4°C and Pampore 1.0°C. Srinagar Airport registered 0.6°C, Awantipora -0.2°C, Budgam 1.2°C, Anantnag 0.8°C, Baramulla 1.4°C, Bandipora 1.3°C, Shopian 0.1°C, Kulgam 2.1°C, Ganderbal 1.0°C and Sonamarg 0.4°C. Pulwama recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the Valley at -2.7°C. Temperature data from Zojila Pass was unavailable, while the Zethan Rafiabad station remained non-functional.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 11.4°C, Banihal 5.5°C, Batote 7.9°C, Katra 11.2°C, Bhaderwah 4.7°C and Kathua 8.8°C. Jammu Airport logged 11.3°C, while Udhampur recorded 7.5°C, Ramban 8.8°C, Samba 7.4°C, Rajouri 6.0°C, Kishtwar 7.6°C, Reasi 10.0°C and Doda 8.3°C.

In Ladakh, Leh recorded a minimum temperature of -5.0°C, Kargil -4.6°C and Nubra Valley -1.8°C.

Weather observers said the combination of cloud cover in the plains and fresh snowfall in higher reaches contributed to the slight rise in night temperatures, even as cold conditions continued across the region. (KNC)