Rains expected from tonight in Kashmir, MeT issues yellow warning

Srinagar: Due to overnight cloud cover amid forecast for a wet spell, the minimum temperatures increased considerably across Kashmir Valley, weatherman said on Monday.

An official from meteorological department said that temperature increased above sub-zero level across Kashmir Valley with Srinagar recording a low of 5.8°C against 1.4°C on the previous night.

The temperature was 4.9 degrees above the normal for this time of the year in Srinagar.

Qazigund, the gateway town of J&K, recorded a low of 3.0°C against 0.0°C on the previous night.

The mercury settled at 1.2°C in Pahalgam against minus 1.8°C on the earlier night while Kokernag recorded a low of 4.0°C against 1.5°C on the previous night.

The minimum temperature settled at 4.0°C in Kupwara against 0.2°C on the previous night while Gulmarg, the world-famous skiing resort, recorded a low of 0.6°C against minus 0.5°C on the earlier night.

The weatherman has forecast a wet spell in wake of a western disturbance affecting J&K and Ladakh from February 22 evening to February 27.

“During this period, light to moderate rain/snowfall is expected mainly on February 22 (night), 23, 26 and 27 in Kashmir region,” the official said.

The weatherman has issued yellow warning for isolated heavy rain and snow in Kashmir on February 26.

There are four types of colour codes signifying the level of caution: green (which means no action), yellow (situation to be watched), amber (government agencies need to be prepared for severe weather) and red (action needed by the agencies). (GNS)