Srinagar, Feb 20: People across Jammu and Kashmir heaved a sigh of relief from dry weather as higher reaches received snowfall, plains witnessing rainfall. While weatherman predicts more rains, snow for today.
The fresh snowfall was recorded across all higher reaches, while rains continue in the plains of Jammu and Kashmir. Tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Zojila Pass have been experiencing snowfall since late Wednesday, reports said.
Currently, the higher reaches of South and North Kashmir are also witnessing snowfall, while rains continue in the plains of North, South, and Central Kashmir, including Jammu.
Persistent rains were also recorded in Banihal subdivision, while upper reaches witnessed light snowfall, reports said.
According to details shared by meteorological department as per JKNS reads that Srinagar recorded minimum temperature of 4.4°C, Gulmarg -2.8°C, Qazigund 3.8°C, Pahalgam 1.2°C, Kupwara 1.5°C, Kokarnag 2.2°C and Konibal 4.5°C.
While district Jammu recorded minimum temperature of 11.9°C, Banihal 2.4°C, Batote 3.7°C, Katra 9.0°C, Bhaderwah 4.4°C and Kathua 11.0°C.
Meanwhile, Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif said, “Most parts of Jammu and Kashmir are likely to witness a moderate spell of rain and snow, with some areas experiencing heavy precipitation.”
He added that overall, the Jammu region may record a higher amount of precipitation than the Kashmir Valley. The Chenab Valley districts—Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda—are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall.
“In Kashmir Valley plains, rain may dominate, but a sharp drop in temperature could lead to snowfall, especially under prolonged heavy precipitation,” he said.
Regarding temperatures, Faizan stated, “Temperatures are expected to drop below 7°C on February 20.” He further added that the Pir Panjal range is expected to receive heavy snowfall, affecting areas such as Gulmarg, Sinthan Top, Peer Ki Gali, and Mughal Road.
“Due to higher temperatures, lightning and thundershowers may remain common, especially in the Jammu region. There is also a risk of shooting stones and landslides on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on February 20,” he warned.
However, he noted that weather conditions are expected to improve from February 21 onwards.
It is important to mention that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed only three precipitation spells in December and the first week of January. The 40-day harsh winter period, Chillai-e-Kalan, followed by the 20-day Chillai-Khurd, ended on a dry note, especially in the Kashmir Valley.
Experts have raised concerns over a possible severe water crisis in the Valley this summer.
Environmentalists attribute the changing weather patterns and lack of snowfall to human-induced environmental degradation, global warming, and climate change.
