Srinagar, Nov 15 (HS): Kashmir is likely to remain mostly dry till Nov 26, a Meteorological Centre Srinagar spokesperson said on Sunday, even as Gulmarg recorded a minimum of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.

The spokesperson said light rain or snow is likely at a few places on Sunday, after which the weather will stay generally dry from Nov 16 to 21. The skies may turn cloudy around Nov 20 and 21. Dry weather is forecast for Nov 22 to 26 as well.

In its latest advisory for farmers, the spokesperson said they can resume farm operations from today.

According to the Meteorological Department’s data, Gulmarg was the coldest place in the Valley, with a minimum temperature 1.9 degrees below normal. It was also the only place where the mercury fell below freezing.

Srinagar recorded a minimum of 3.3 degrees, 2 degrees above normal. Qazigund, known as the Gateway of Kashmir, recorded 3.4 degrees, the tourist destination of Pahalgam 2.8 degrees, Kupwara 4.0 degrees and Kokernag 3.5 degrees Celsius.

Gulmarg has received intermittent snowfall over the past three days. People associated with the tourism sector said the sub-zero temperature will help the accumulated snow last longer, which is good news for visitors.

The Valley saw partly cloudy skies on Sunday, with clouds and sunshine playing hide and seek through the day. Tourists and locals turned up in large numbers at Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood and the Mughal Gardens in Srinagar to enjoy the autumn scenery. Many were seen taking photographs under towering chinar trees that have turned a fiery red.

Srinagar’s famous Sunday Market also saw a good crowd. At the market, which runs from the Tourist Reception Centre to Jahangir Chowk, tourists and locals were busy buying warm clothes. Traders said sales of winter wear have gone up after the recent rain and snow.

Meanwhile, rain lashed several parts of north Kashmir on Sunday morning. According to reports, the weather suddenly changed at Haider Beigh Pattan in Baramulla, where there was a heavy hailstorm. Rain was also recorded in other parts of the district.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat