Srinagar, 17 February (H.S.): Day and night temperatures continued to remain above normal across Jammu & Kashmir as the region experiences an extended dry spell, with no significant rain or snowfall forecast until the end of February.

According to the Meteorological Department, minimum temperatures stayed 1-5-C above normal at scattered places in Kashmir region and 2-3C above normal at many locations in Jammu division.

The coldest night in Kashmir was recorded at Pahalgam at -2.2C, while Bhaderwah in Jammu Division recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 2.7C.

In Srinagar, the maximum temperature on Monday settled at 16.6C, which was 6.2C above normal, while the minimum temperature was 0.8C.

Similarly, the ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a daytime temperature of 10C, a sharp 8.5C above normal, with the night temperature dropping to -1.5C.

Weather experts said the ongoing dry phase shows no indication of precipitation for the remainder of the month, a trend that could significantly widen the seasonal rainfall deficit across the union territory.

Over the past several days, daytime temperatures have consistently remained above normal, and no major change is expected in the coming days. Meteorologists warn that if the warm spell intensifies further, February temperature records could be challenged in some areas.

The forecast indicates mainly dry weather until month-end.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar