Snow-rain predicted in Kashmir from tomorrow

SRINAGAR : Snow or rain was predicted during the next 24 hours in Kashmir valley and a fresh Western Disturbance (WD) was likely to touch the region in the evening after passing through Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to Met department here.
While, the minimum temperature was above normal, the day remained cloudy and chilly today, Met department spokesman said adding that Gulmarg was the only place where the minimum temperature was sub-zero though it too, was above normal. There could be isolated rain in the valley this evening and scattered rain or snow could occur during the next 24 hours, especially in the Jammu and Ladakh region, the weatherman said.
After recording above normal night temperature, people woke up to a cloudy, foggy and cold morning in Srinagar, the summer capital of the state. Met spokesperson said the minimum temperature in the city was recorded 1.8 degree, two notches above normal. However, the day remained cold. There could be light rain or snow and the maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 8 degree and one degree Celsius respectively during the next 24 hours in the city.
Gulmarg, a major tourist attraction in north Kashmir, continued to shiver as the minimum temperature remained below freezing point. However, it witnessed half a degree improvement as compared to yesterday when it was minus 3 which is considered normal during this period of the winter.
The coldest night of the season so far was recorded minus 5.5 degree on November 5. There was further improvement at Pahalgam, a famed health resort, also serving as base camp for holy Amarnath cave shrine, where the minimum temperature was 1.4 degree against yesterdays 0.4 degree when minus three is considered normal. Qazigund, Kokernag and Kupwara also recorded above normal minimum temperature.
There was some improvement in the Ladakh region though the mercury remained below freezing point. Against minus 5.6 degree minimum temperature, it was minus 5 degree at Leh while at Kargil it was minus 3.6 degree against minus 5.2 degree yesterday. So far the coldest night at Leh and Kargil has been recorded minus 9.9 degree and 10.3 degree respectively on December 2.
Met spokesperson said the sky would be generally cloudy and the maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 7 degree and minus 4 degree respectively during the next 24 hours at Leh. At winter capital, Jammu, the sky would be generally cloudy and the maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 23 degree and 11 degree respectively during the next 24 hours. (UNI)