No major rain or snowfall activity is expected across Jammu and Kashmir till February 21, officials said on Friday, even as generally cloudy skies and isolated light snowfall over higher reaches may persist over the next few days.
According to the latest forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department, the Union Territory will largely witness dry weather conditions, with only brief spells of light snow or rain at scattered places.
Officials told the news agency that overcast conditions are likely in several areas, particularly in the Kashmir division, but there is no indication of any significant precipitation in the coming week.
From February 14 to 16 evening, the weather is expected to remain mostly dry across both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions. However, light snowfall may occur at isolated higher-altitude areas towards the night of February 16.
On February 17, generally cloudy skies are forecast, with the possibility of light rain or snowfall at scattered locations. Thereafter, from February 18 to 21, dry weather is expected to prevail across the Union Territory, with no major rain or snow activity anticipated.The forecast suggests relatively stable conditions for travel and routine activities, though authorities have advised caution in higher reaches.
Meanwhile, maximum temperatures across the Union Territory remained above normal at several places on Friday.
In the Kashmir region, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 15.6 degrees Celsius, which is 5.6 degrees above normal, while Qazigund registered 15.5 degrees Celsius, 5.8 degrees above average. Kokernag settled at 13.5 degrees Celsius, 5.3 degrees above normal, and Pahalgam recorded 11.8 degrees Celsius, 4.8 degrees above average.
Kupwara reported 16.0 degrees Celsius, 6.6 degrees above normal, while Gulmarg, the ski resort in north Kashmir, recorded a maximum of 9.0 degrees Celsius, 7.3 degrees above the seasonal average. In the Jammu region, the winter capital, Jammu, recorded a high of 24.2 degrees Celsius, 3.2 degrees above normal. Banihal registered 19.6 degrees Celsius, 7.5 degrees above average, followed by Batote at 19.1 degrees Celsius, 7.2 degrees above normal. Bhaderwah recorded 18.6 degrees Celsius, 5.4 degrees above normal, while Katra settled at 23.4 degrees Celsius, 4.3 degrees above the seasonal average