Cold conditions ease across Kashmir as sun shines

Srinagar, Dec. 24: Cold conditions eased across Kashmir as minimum temperatures rose at most places and remained above freezing, officials said Wednesday.

The improvement followed recent snowfall in higher reaches and rainfall in the plains, triggered by a western disturbance that ended a prolonged dry spell across the region. Officials said overcast skies overnight after the precipitation prevented a sharp drop in temperatures.

Minimum temperatures stayed above freezing across most of the valley, except at the tourist resorts of Gulmarg in north Kashmir and Pahalgam in south Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night, up from 2.7 degrees Celsius the previous night and about 5.4 degrees above the seasonal average, officials said.

Other parts of the valley also reported above-normal minimum temperatures, ranging between 1.8 and 5.6 degrees Celsius.

Gulmarg recorded the lowest temperature at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam registered a low of minus 2.2 degrees Celsius.

In south Kashmir, Qazigund recorded a minimum temperature of 3.2 degrees Celsius and Kokernag 2.9 degrees Celsius. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of 2 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, nearly 40 days after persistent haze, smog, and overcast skies, Srinagar and much of Kashmir witnessed bright sunshine on Wednesday.

The day turned relatively warm, prompting people to step outdoors as maximum temperatures rose. The Meteorological Department forecasts generally dry weather across Kashmir over the next few days, with no major weather system expected in the near term.

Meanwhile, authorities also issued a low-danger avalanche warning for five districts of Jammu and Kashmir following heavy snowfall in higher reaches. The warning applies to Doda, Ganderbal, Kishtwar, Poonch, and Ramban districts, where avalanches are likely at altitudes above 2,800 meters over the next 24 hours, officials said.

Residents and visitors were advised to avoid avalanche-prone areas and follow official safety guidelines.