New Delhi: A western disturbance, a low-pressure system that brings moisture-laden winds from the Mediterranean region, is expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning, according to the Meteorological Department. This may result in light rain or snowfall in some parts of the Union Territory, especially in the higher regions.
The officials said that the western disturbance is weak and will not cause any significant change in the weather conditions. However, it may bring some respite from the cold wave that has gripped the region for the past few days. The officials said that due to the cloudy sky, the minimum temperature has increased slightly in North and Central Kashmir, but it dropped in South Kashmir on Friday night.
The minimum temperature recorded in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, was minus 1.3 degrees Celsius, which is slightly higher than the previous night’s minus 2.0 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam, one of the base camps of the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.1 degrees Celsius, which is lower than the previous night’s minus 4.6 degrees Celsius. The famous ski resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla district recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, which is also lower than the previous night’s minus 2.4 degrees Celsius.
The other places in the Valley also recorded sub-zero temperatures on Friday night. The minimum temperature was minus 3.8 degrees Celsius in Qazigund, minus 3.6 degrees Celsius in Kokernag town, and minus 1.0 degrees Celsius in Kupwara. The officials said that the minimum temperature may improve by Sunday due to the western disturbance, but it may again fall by one to three degrees from Monday onwards.
The officials also said that there is a possibility of light snowfall in some places in the higher regions, such as Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Gurez Valley, and Mughal Road. The snowfall may improve the snow cover in these areas, which is essential for winter tourism and the water supply in the summer. The officials advised the people to take necessary precautions and follow the weather updates.
