The higher reaches of Kashmir witnessed fresh snowfall on Friday, while rain in the plains brought an end to the prolonged dry spell in the valley.
The Meteorological Department in Srinagar has predicted the possibility of more rain and snowfall over the next four days.
Intermittent snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara, and Sonmarg districts.
Light snowfall was also recorded in parts of South Kashmir early in the morning.
In Srinagar and nearby areas, intermittent rain has continued since Thursday evening, bringing down the maximum temperature by a couple of degrees.
The Met office noted that the minimum temperature in Srinagar city last night settled at 0.8 degrees Celsius, which was 1.4 degrees above the normal for this time of the year.
Also read: Unusual weather patterns in J&K: Sign of potential disaster?
Most places in Kashmir recorded above-average minimum temperatures last night, except for the famous tourist destination Gulmarg, which reported a frigid minus 7.2 degrees Celsius.
The lack of rainfall in recent months had raised concerns among experts and farmers, whose livelihoods depend on adequate precipitation during winter.
"The valley recorded a 29 per cent decline in rain and snowfall last January," the department revealed. The drop in precipitation has adversely impacted the agricultural output, with the vital horticulture sector reporting a decline of 20 to 30 per cent over the past three years.
Also read: J&K: Climate concerns rise as 'Chillai Kalan' ends with dry spell
Follow us
