Srinagar, 14 December (H.S.): Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, coupled with cloud cover across the plains, led to a marginal improvement in night temperatures on Saturday night, even as cold conditions continued to grip some parts.

Fresh snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, including Zojila Pass, Minamarg, Baltal, and the Tulail Valley, bringing temporary relief from the prevailing cold wave conditions.

Snow accumulation ranged from 1 centimetre to about 3 inches, according to data compiled by independent weather channel Kashmir Weather.

Following the fresh snowfall in the upper reaches, minimum temperatures showed slight improvement in several areas, while plains remained under cloud cover.

In the Kashmir region, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 2.0°C, Qazigund 0.8°C, Pahalgam 2.4°C, Kupwara 1.2°C, Kokernag 0.8°C, Gulmarg 1.4°C, and Pampore 1.0°C. Srinagar Airport registered 0.6°C, while Awantipora recorded -0.2°C. Budgam stood at 1.2°C, Anantnag 0.8°C, Baramulla 1.4°C, Bandipora 1.3°C, Shopian 0.1°C, Kulgam 2.1°C, Ganderbal 1.0°C, and Sonamarg 0.4°C. Pulwama recorded the lowest minimum in the Valley at -2.7°C. Zojila Pass temperature data was not available, while Zethan Rafiabad station remained non-functional.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 11.4°C, Banihal 5.5°C, Batote 7.9°C, Katra 11.2°C, Bhaderwah 4.7°C, Kathua 8.8°C, and Jammu Airport 11.3°C. Udhampur recorded 7.5°C, Ramban 8.8°C, Samba 7.4°C, Rajouri 6.0°C, Kishtwar 7.6°C, Reasi 10.0°C, and Doda 8.3°C.

In Ladakh, Leh recorded a minimum temperature of -5.0°C, Kargil -4.6°C, and Nubra Valley -1.8°C.

Weather observers said cloud cover in plains and fresh snowfall in higher reaches contributed to marginal improvement in night temperatures, while cold conditions continue to prevail across the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar