Srinagar, Feb 17: After a period of mostly dry weather during the peak winter season, Kashmir is set to experience cloudy and wet conditions from February 19 to 20. Light rain and snowfall are expected at scattered locations, particularly in higher reaches.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, told Rising Kashmir that the weather from February 19 to 20 is forecasted to be partly to generally cloudy, with a chance of very light rain or snow at isolated higher-altitude areas. However, no major weather activity is anticipated during this time.
“From February 19 to 20, Valley will likely experience generally cloudy conditions, with light rain or snow expected at scattered places between the late hours of February 19 and till February 20 afternoon,” he said.
Dr Mukhtar said that weather is forecasted to be partly cloudy from February 21 to 23, while February 24 to 25 may see partly to generally cloudy skies with light rain or snow at isolated to scattered locations.
Meanwhile following the prolonged dry weather, parts of Valley continued to witness an increase in day temperatures than normal temperatures on Monday.
Srinagar recorded 14.0 °C which was 4.8°C above normal temperatures. Qazigund recorded 15.4°C which was 5.9°C than normal temperatures. Pahalgam 12.2 °C, Kupwara 13,9°C, Kokernag 15.9°C. Winter capital Jammu recorded 24°C and Katra 23.4°C respectively.
Although parts of north Kashmir witnessed light rainfall on Sunday night and light snowfall in higher reaches. While it remained mainly for a few hours.
Meanwhile, rise in temperatures has raised concerns among local farmers and experts, as it is unusual weather for this time of year. This warmer weather could affect snowfall in lower areas and may impact agriculture. They are also worried about its effect on water supplies for irrigation.
Mohammad Altaf, a fruit grower in Pattan Baramulla said that the rise in temperatures is worrying. This time of year, we expect colder weather, but with the warmth, it looks like we might miss out on the snowfall that our orchards need.
“Without proper snowfall, our irrigation supply could get affected, and that is a real concern for us,” he said.
Another fruit grower, Fayaz Ahmad Yattoo said that the warmer temperatures in February month are not good for our orchards.
“We rely on consistent snowfall for water, and this sudden heat could hurt the growth of our crops. If the rain doesn’t come soon, we might struggle in the coming months,” he said.
Fayaz Ahmad further said that this shift in weather is definitely unusual. It could affect the flowering season for apples and other fruits, he added.
