Fresh WD approaching region, major improvement in night chill, day remain cold

Srinagar, Feb 17 : Weather will remain dry during next two days though a fresh Western Disturbance (WD) could hit the region on February 20 which could result in isolated rain in Jammu and Kashmir.

The minimum temperature remained above normal due to overcast conditions while the day was chilly due to below normal temperature and icy cold winds.

A Met department spokesman told UNI on Saturday afternoon that weather will remain dry during the next 48 hours in Jammu and Kashmir. However, there is possibility of isolated rain from February 20 when a fresh WD will touch the region.

Interestingly, there was about four degree improvement in the minimum temperature at Leh but in Kargil it witnessed a drop by 3.5 notches and settled at minus 12.6 degrees, coldest in the region.

He said against yesterday's minus 5.8 degrees, the minimum temperature recorded further drop and settled at minus 2.1 degrees at Leh. The sky would be mainly clear and the maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 4 degree and minus 9 degree respectively during the next 24 hours in Leh.

Kargil, on the Srinagar-Leh national highway, closed since December last year due to accumulation of snow and slippery conditions, was coldest at minus 12.6 degrees against yesterday's minus 9 degrees minimum temperature.

Gulmarg, where a Russian skier died after hit by an avalanche on Friday, recorded a drop of over one degree in the minimum temperature. Against yesterday's minus 5.2 degree, the minimum temperature there was minus 6.5 degree, coldest in the valley.

The minimum temperature at famed health resort of Gulmarg was minus 1.1 degree though it was still over 5 notches above normal.

Srinagar witnessed a major surge in the night temperature though day remained chilly due to icy cold winds coupled with overcast conditions.

The Met spokesman said yesterday’s one degree minimum temperature, it was 4.5 degree today while day temperature was 1.5 degree below normal yesterday. The sky will be mainly clear and the maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 9 degree and minus 1 degree respectively in the city during the next 24 hours