SRINAGAR, Oct 28: The Meteorological Department has forecasted rain and snow in the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley over the next 24 hours.
Officials indicated that the weather will be generally cloudy on Monday, with light rain and snow anticipated in certain areas, especially in the higher elevations of north Kashmir towards the evening.
On October 29, the forecast continues to show cloudy conditions, with potential light rain and snow expected in the higher reaches of both north and central Kashmir.
Independent weather observer Faizan Arif noted that there could be snowfall in upper regions of popular ski destinations like Gulmarg and the picturesque Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district, as well as on the Zojila Pass, which connects Srinagar to the strategically important Ladakh highway. Other higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley may also see snowfall during this period.
Additionally, snowfall is possible in the early morning hours of October 30, after which dry weather is predicted to prevail until November 8. Notably, there is currently no forecast for snowfall in the plains of the Kashmir Valley.
The Meteorological Department has advised farmers to proceed with harvesting and safely storing their crops, as well as to continue with other agricultural operations. Starting November 1, the possibility of mist or shallow fog in the plains of Kashmir during morning hours is also expected.
Currently, the sky in Srinagar and surrounding areas is overcast, accompanied by a light cold breeze that has prompted residents and tourists to don warmer clothing. The minimum temperature recorded in Srinagar during the night between Sunday and Monday was 5.8 degrees Celsius, which is 2.8 degrees above normal for this time of year. The maximum temperature reached 21.0 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 4.3 degrees above the seasonal average, according to the Meteorological Department.