Srinagar

Kashmir experienced a slight easing of the cold as minimum temperatures rose marginally due to overcast skies, even as the meteorological department forecast light snowfall at select higher-altitude locations in the valley, officials said on Saturday.

The summer capital, Srinagar, recorded a low of minus 2.9 degrees Celsius on Friday night, up from minus 3.6 degrees Celsius the previous night, though still 1.7 degrees below the seasonal average. A dense layer of fog covered Srinagar and much of the valley, particularly around lakes and other water bodies, the Met office reported.

In other areas, Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, Kupwara in the north settled at minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, and Kokernag in south Kashmir saw a low of 0.1 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg, the popular ski destination in north Kashmir, registered 1.6 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam logged minus 2.8 degrees Celsius. Pulwama remained the coldest spot, dropping to minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, with Shopian at minus 3.7 degrees Celsius.

The valley is approaching ‘Chillai Kalan’, the 40-day peak winter period beginning December 21, which typically brings the coldest temperatures and maximum snowfall. So far, the region has not received any significant precipitation, with the prevailing dry conditions contributing to an increase in cold-related ailments. Health officials have advised children and the elderly to take precautions and limit outdoor exposure.

The meteorological department indicated a chance of very light snowfall at isolated high-altitude locations in north and central Kashmir between December 13 and 17. Weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy on December 18-19, with scattered rain or snow possible on December 20-21 as Chillai Kalan sets in.

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Fog is likely to persist at many locations in the valley in the coming days, varying from shallow to moderate density, the Met office added.