Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh recorded below normal rainfall in February but a month-end spell of downpour is expected to slightly improve this deficit, the meteorological department said on Friday.
“All the three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh received deficit rain/snow in February,” director of meteorological department Sonam Lotus said.
“Jammu and Kashmir recorded a deficit of 80 to 90 per cent, while Leh in Ladakh witnessed a deficit of 97 per cent and the nearby Kargil 53 per cent deficit,” he added.
Lotus said a fresh spell of rain and snow (in higher reaches) of Jammu and Kashmir and Kargil in Ladakh is likely during February 28-29 is expected to slightly improve this deficit.
After dry weather, most parts of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh experienced rainfall with some places in high altitude areas including Gulmarg witnessing snow over the past two days.
“The weather is likely to remain dry till February 27. There will be a gradual rise in day temperature from today (Friday) onwards,” Lotus said.
He said the Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded 14 cm snowfall over the past two days, while the rainfall in most parts of the Valley ranged between zero to 4.8 mm.
A bright sun shone in the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar this morning after remaining hidden behind clouds for the last two days.
Gulmarg was the coldest recorded place in the valley with a low of minus 8.0 degrees Celsius followed by Pahalgam hill resort at minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, the spokesman said. PTI

Press Trust of India