Srinagar, Feb 10: Fresh snowfall draped the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday, while intermittent rain hit the plains, marking a shift in the region’s weather pattern even as temperatures began a steady climb.
Tourist hotspots including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, along with high-altitude passes such as Sadhna Pass and Peer Ki Gali, received light snow. In the lower regions, intermittent showers were reported throughout the afternoon. Officials noted that while the weather remains unsettled, the mercury has shown a marginal improvement across both divisions of the Union Territory.
“Light rain or snow is likely at most places on Wednesday,” a Meteorological Department official directly said while discussing the short-term outlook. The department mentioned that the weather is expected to stabilize significantly from February 11 to February 20, with largely dry conditions anticipated.
Temperature readings on Tuesday indicated a break from the severe cold. Srinagar recorded a minimum of 3.3 degrees Celsius, while Jammu city reached a low of 12.3 degrees Celsius. Despite the warming trend, Gulmarg remained below freezing at minus 3.4 degrees Celsius. The weather office noted that day temperatures are also rising, with Jammu touching a comfortable 22.4 degrees Celsius.
Authorities have issued a travel advisory urging commuters to verify highway status before starting their journeys. Officials mentioned that residents in snow-bound zones should avoid avalanche-prone areas. Based on current data, the department noted that February might conclude with a rainfall deficit across the region.
