Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Feb 16 :
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday predicted mainly dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir over the next week, with only isolated light snow expected in higher reaches of the region.
According to the IMD’s forecast, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), light snow may occur at isolated higher reaches on February 17, while February 18-21 and February 22-24 are likely to remain generally dry.
The weather, it said, is expected to turn partly cloudy to generally cloudy on February 25-26, with light snow possible in isolated higher reaches towards the evening and night of February 28.
Early March (1-2) may witness generally cloudy conditions with isolated light snowfall in higher areas.
The IMD advised farmers to continue with farm operations as there is no major disruption expected. “A gradual rise in both minimum and maximum temperatures is likely at most places during the next seven days. Visitors and the public are cautioned against venturing into snow-bound higher reaches prone to avalanches or slippery slopes,” it added.
Temperature readings across the region showed a mix of near-normal and below-normal values. In Kashmir Division, Srinagar recorded a maximum of 10.4°C against a normal of 18.0°C, and a minimum of 1.3°C, below the normal 0.1°C.
Pahalgam saw sub-zero temperatures with a minimum of -3.8°C, while Gulmarg recorded a minimum of -1.6°C. Kupwara and Qazigund registered daytime highs of 9.5°C each, with minimum temperatures of -1.4°C and 0.2°C, respectively.
In Jammu Division, Mirpur recorded a high of 28.0°C, while Kathua and Katra saw maximum temperatures of 24.8°C and 24.1°C, respectively. Night temperatures remained low with Jammu at 11.5°C and Banihal at 10.6°C.
Other stations, including Bhadarwah, Batote, and Katra, also reported below-normal night temperatures.
The IMD’s 7-day forecast indicates mainly dry conditions across both divisions, with only isolated precipitation on February 17.
Spatial distribution shows isolated precipitation at 1-25% of stations, scattered activity at 26-50%, and fairly widespread to widespread precipitation at higher thresholds—(KNO)