Kashmir Valley Soaked in Rain and Cloaked in Snow, Temperatures Climb Above Normal

Srinagar Jan 31 (KF):  Srinagar and other plains in Kashmir Valley were lashed by rain on Wednesday, while higher reaches including Pahalgam, Kokernag, and Gulmarg received fresh snowfall, bringing a much-needed respite from the dry winter spell.

Meteorological officials reported 1.9mm of rain in Srinagar in the past 24 hours, while Qazigund received 1.2mm and Kupwara 8mm. Higher up, Pahalgam witnessed 2.6cm of snowfall, followed by 1.2cm in Kokernag and a significant 25cm in Gulmarg.

Jammu region also received rainfall, with the winter capital Jammu recording 5.7mm, Banihal 14.6mm, Katra 6.2mm, and Bhaderwah 6.4mm.

In a welcome change, overnight temperatures across the valley experienced a rise. Srinagar recorded a low of 2.2°C, 2.9°C above normal for this time of year, while Qazigund stayed at 0.4°C, also exceeding the expected minimum. Pahalgam climbed to 0.1°C, a whopping 6.2°C warmer than usual, and Kokernag reached -0.2°C, 2.2°C above normal. Kupwara enjoyed a low of 1.3°C, 3.6°C higher than usual, and even Gulmarg, famous for its icy slopes, warmed to -3.0°C, 4.4°C above its typical minimum. Jammu, the winter capital, basked in 10.9°C, exceeding the normal by 2.5°C.

Looking ahead, the Meteorological Department predicts light to moderate rain/snow at many places across Jammu and Kashmir until February 1, with the possibility of heavy snowfall in some upper reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Shopian, Kulgam, and Anantnag districts. On February 2, generally dry weather with light snow at isolated higher reaches is anticipated. From February 3-4, there is a chance of light to moderate rain and snow at many places, followed by generally dry conditions between February 5-10. (KF)