Weather in Kashmir improves, snow and rain expected

Srinagar, Jan 18 (UNI) People in the Kashmir valley finally have respite from the biting cold as the day and night temperatures were above normal after the Western Disturbances (WD) crossed over to this side from northern Pakistan.

We are expecting rain or snow on the upper reaches during the next 24 hours in the Kashmir valley, a weather office spokesman told UNI.

He said for the first time since the start of the 40-day-long ''Chalai Kalan'', coldest period of the winter, the night temperature was above normal. No portion of the famed Dal Lake was frozen today because of improved weather.

The minimum temperature was recorded at minus 0.3 degree, which was two degree above normal, he said adding the coldest night so far was on Sunday when the temperature dipped to minus 6 degree, four degree below normal.

He said clear sky during the night was mainly responsible for fall in the minimum temperature. However, he said, the day remained warm after the maximum temperature at 1430 hours was 8 degree, three degree above normal.

He said the minimum temperature improved after the WD from Pakistan finally reached here. However, earlier WD were going to China and other adjacent areas without touching the Kashmir valley.

The WD are active in the Kashmir valley at present and we are expecting rain or snowfall on the upper reaches, he said adding some of the disturbances were seen again moving towards China.

UNI