Srinagar, March 4: Despite forecasts for predominantly dry weather, Kashmir Valley experienced a significant drop in night temperatures, with Gulmarg plummeting to minus 12.0°C, marking the lowest minimum temperature in seven years for the renowned skiing destination during the month of March.
According to a meteorological department official, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.0°C, compared to the previous night’s minus 0.6°C. This deviation of 4.2°C below normal for this time of year was noted by the MeT official, highlighting the unusual chill in the summer capital of J&K.
Other areas across the valley also saw considerable dips in temperatures. Qazigund registered a low of minus 1.0°C, down from 2.0°C the previous night, while Pahalgam recorded minus 6.0°C, indicating a deviation of 3.7°C below normal for the famous south Kashmir resort.
Similarly, Kokernag and Kupwara witnessed below-normal temperatures, with Kokernag recording minus 1.9°C and Kupwara registering minus 1.5°C, according to the official.
Gulmarg, known for its skiing slopes, experienced exceptionally low temperatures, hitting minus 12.0°C. This equaled the lowest temperature recorded in over a decade for the month of March, observed in 2017. The significant deviation of 7.5°C below normal highlighted the severity of the cold spell in the north Kashmir resort.
In contrast, Jammu saw relatively warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 6.7°C, surpassing the normal by 5.6°C for the winter capital of J&K.
Banihal recorded a low of 6.7°C, Batote 1.0°C, and Bhaderwah 0.1°C, the official added.
The weather forecast suggests an improvement in conditions across Jammu and Kashmir until March 10, following days of rain and snowfall.
According to the MeT official, “No significant weather activity is expected till March 10, with the possibility of light rain/snow at scattered places during the night of March 6 to March 7.”
Looking ahead, fresh spells of rain and snow are anticipated during March 12-14.
