Srinagar- Dense fog enveloped Srinagar and several other parts of Kashmir on Saturday, even as overcast skies led to a marginal rise in minimum temperatures across the valley, providing slight relief from prevailing cold conditions, officials said.
Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.9 degrees Celsius on Friday night, up from the previous night’s minus 3.6 degrees Celsius. Despite the increase, the temperature remained 1.7 degrees below the seasonal average.
The Meteorological Department said thick fog was observed particularly in areas around water bodies, reducing visibility at several places across the valley.
Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded a minimum of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while north Kashmir’s Kupwara settled at minus 2.4 degrees Celsius. Kokernag registered a low of 0.1 degrees Celsius, making it one of the few places where temperatures stayed above freezing.
Gulmarg also remained above the freezing point, recording a low of 1.6 degrees Celsius, up from zero degrees Celsius a day earlier.
Pahalgam logged a minimum of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, improving from minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, officials said.
Pulwama was the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir, recording a low of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Shopian at minus 3.7 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department has forecast very light snowfall at isolated higher reaches of north and central Kashmir from December 13 to 17. Weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy on December 18 and 19, with light rain or snow likely at scattered places on December 20 and 21.
Shallow to moderate fog is likely to persist at many places across the valley over the coming days, the weather office added.
Kashmir is approaching Chillai Kalan, the 40 day harshest winter phase beginning December 21, when temperatures typically fall sharply and snowfall chances increase.
The valley has not witnessed any major wet spell so far this winter, with prolonged dry weather leading to an increase in seasonal ailments such as cough and common cold. Doctors have advised people, especially children and the elderly, to take precautions and stay indoors.
