SRINAGAR: Night temperature recorded a drop in Jammu and Kashmir with mercury settling below sub-zero level in Gulmarg and Pahalgam  on Saturday.  

A meteorological department official here told GNS that Srinagar recorded a minimum of 6.5°C against 7.2°C on the previous night and it was above normal by 1.5°C for the summer capital of JK for this time of the year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of 5.8°C against 7.0°C on the previous night and it was 2.1°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 1.1°C against 3.7°C on the previous night and it was 1.5°C below normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 5.6°C, same as on the previous night and it was 2.3°C above normal, the official said.

Kupwara town recorded a low of 5.6°C against 6.6°C on the previous night and it was 1.1°C below normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 2.5°C against minus 0.5°C on the previous night and it was below normal by 0.9°C for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 14.4°C and it was below normal by 1.1°C for the winter capital of J&K.

Banihal recorded a low of 7.6°C, Batote 9.1°C and Bhaderwah 7.0°C, he said.

With regard to the forecast, he said, generally dry weather with brief cloudiness is expected till March 26.

On March 27, he said, partly to generally cloudy weather is expected with light rain/snow at few places.

From March 28-31, he said, partly to generally cloudy weather is expected with possibility of intermittent light rain and snow at many places. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: The Jammu-Srinagar national highway, spanning 270 km, has been partially reopened for one-way traffic after being shut for two days due to landslides in Ramban district.

The closure stemmed from landslides and stone shootings at numerous points along the highway, disrupting the vital link between Kashmir and the rest of the country. Clearing operations at various landslide-affected spots were impeded by continuous rainfall and snowfall.

However, with improved weather conditions, road clearance efforts intensified, leading to the partial reopening of the highway for one-way traffic in the afternoon.

This development has facilitated the removal of stranded vehicles between Nashi and Banihal. Ongoing efforts aim to fully restore traffic flow in both directions by tonight, with a reassessment scheduled for tomorrow morning to determine the road’s condition for allowing fresh traffic from both sides.(KNS).

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority(JKDMA) on Tuesday issued fresh avalanche warning for ten districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Avalanche with low danger level is likely to occur above 2200 metres over Anantnag and Kulgam districts in next 24 hours. Also avalanche with medium danger level is likely to occur above 2400 metres over Bandipora and Baramulla districts in next 24 hours,” reads the advisoryissued by JKDMA.

It also said that avalanche with high danger level is likely to occur above 2000 metres over Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Ramban, Kupwara and Ganderbal districts in next 24 hours.

The advisory requested people living in respective districts to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas. The advisory also said that in case of any emergency, the general public can dial 112.

SRINAGAR: University of Kashmir on Tuesday notified about the postponement of exams scheduled for tomorrow, February 21, 2024. 

"It is notified for the information of all concerned candidates that due to inclement weather conditions, all examinations of University of Kashmir which are scheduled to be held on 21 of February 2024 stand postponed", reads a notification as per GNS. 

Fresh dates shall be issued soon, reads the notification by Assistant Controller of Examination of the varsity. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Gulmarg and higher reaches in Kashmir Valley massed a plenty of snow with world famous skiing resort recording nearly 3-ft of it in 48 hours till this morning, officials said on Tuesday.

A meteorological department official here told GNS that plains largely received rainfall with Srinagar recording 41.4mm in two days including 29.0mm in 24 hours till 0830 hours today.   

Also, he said, mercury witnessed drop with Srinagar recording a low of minus 0.7°C against 2.0°C on the previous night. It was below normal by 1.6°C for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year, he said.

Qazigund received 76.8mm of rain in 24 hours till 0830 hours and recorded a minimum of 0.0°C against 36°C on the previous night and it was 0.1°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, the MeT official said.

Pahalgam received 40.1mm of rain during the 24 hours and recorded a low of minus 0.5°C against 0.8°C on the previous night and it was 3.5°C above normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, received 1 cm of snow and 26.0mm of rain during the 24 hours and recorded a minimum of minus 0.3°C against 3.5°C on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 0.4°C for the place, the official said.

Kupwara town also received 41.9mm of rain and recorded a low of minus 0.4°C against minus 0.1°C on the previous night and it was 0.1°C below normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg, the official said, received 50cms of snow during the 24 hours and 90 cms (2.95-ft) in last 24 hours, and recorded a low of minus 4.0°C against minus 2.8°C on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 2.7°C for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir which is set to host 4th edition of Khelo India games from February 21.

Jammu, he said, received 5.8mm of rain and recorded a minimum of 13.4°C and it was above normal by 2.8°C for the winter capital of J&K.

Banihal received 83.6mm of rain in 24 hours and recorded a low of 2.0°C, Batote received 49.6mm and had a low of 3.44°C while Bhaderwah received 58.8mm of rain and recorded a minimum of 1.6°C, he said.

The weatherman has forecast more precipitation in next 24 hours in Jammu and Kashmir and improvement in weather thereafter.

“There is possibility of light to moderate Rain/Snow at most places (Plains & Lower reaches) with possibility of heavy to very heavy  snowfall over middle & higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Badgam & dists. of South Kashmir,” the MeT official said.

On February 21, he said, there is possibility of intermittent light to moderate snow at many places till afternoon or late afternoon and gradual improvement thereafter. “No significant weather activity is expected till February 27,” he added.

While ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter ended on January 29 and 20-day-long winter period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ ended on February 19, Kashmir is the middle 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which culminates on March 1. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: While weatherman forecast dry weather till February 17 and snow and rain thereafter, cold wave conditions continued in Kashmir Valley on Wednesday as minimum temperatures stayed below freezing, officials said.

A meteorological department official here told GNS that Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.0°C against minus 2.4°C on the previous night and it was below normal by 1.6°C for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 3.2°C against minus 2.0°C on the previous night, he said. The minimum temperature was 1.7°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, the MeT official said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 10.8°C against minus 11.0°C on the previous night and it was 4.6°C below normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 4.3°C against minus 2.4°C on the previous night and the temperature was below normal by 2.3°C for the place, the official said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 3.3°C against minus 3.4°C on the previous night and it was 1.3°C below normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 10.0°C against minus 10.5°C on the previous night and the temperature was below normal by 3.3°C for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.

Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 5.0°C and it was below normal by 4.5°C for the winter capital of J&K.

Banihal recorded a low of minus 0.3°C, Batote minus 0.4°C and Bhaderwah minus 2.0°C, he said.

Regarding the forecast, the MeT official said that weather is expected to be dry till February 17.

“Overall, dry weather is expected till February 17 with occasionally cloudy towards evening during February 14.”

Regarding the outlook during February 18-20, he said, there is possibility of light snow and rain.

As ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter ended on January 29, Kashmir is presently in the middle of 20-day-long winter period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that ends on February 19 and is followed by a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which starts from February 20 to March 1. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Freezing conditions prevailed in Kashmir Valley while weatherman forecast snow and rain at most places in J&K on Saturday.

A meteorological department official here told GNS Srinagar recorded a low of minus 1.7°C against minus 0.3°C on previous night and it was 1.0°C below normal for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 5.4°C against minus 9.4°C on the previous night, he said. The minimum temperature was 3.3°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, the MeT official said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 8.3°C against minus 11.9°C on the previous night and it was 2.2°C below normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.  

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 5.4°C against minus 9.4°C on the previous night and the temperature was below normal by 0.1°C for the place, the official said.   

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 2.4°C against minus 4.4°C on the previous night and it was 0.1°C below normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 10.6°C against minus 12.0°C on the previous night and the temperature was below normal by 3.0°C for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir. 

Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 5.7°C and it was below normal by 0.6°C for the winter capital of J&K.

Banihal recorded a low of minus 0.8°C, Batote 0.3°C and Bhaderwah minus 0.5°C, he said.

Regarding forecast, the MeT official here said that from February 3-4, generally cloudy weather is expected towards afternoon with possibility of light to moderate snow/rain at many places towards evening till Sunday evening with chances of heavy snowfall over isolated higher reaches.

“Middle and higher reaches of North, Nwestern and South Kashmir may receive 8-12 inches of Snow, lower reaches & plains may receive 3-6 inches, while plains of Central Kashmir may receive rain with 1-2 inches of Snow.”

Jammu Division may receive light to moderate rain with thunder/lightning with light to moderate snow over higher reaches of Pirpanjal Range and Chenab Valley during the period, he said.

On February 5, he said, partly to generally cloudy weather with possibility of light snow over isolated higher reaches is expected.

From February 6-13, he said, generally dry weather is expected.

As ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter ended on January 29, Kashmir is presently in the middle of 20-day-long winter period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that ends on February 19 and is followed by a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which starts from February 20 to March 1. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: A recent comprehensive survey conducted by a team of conservationists and researchers has unveiled Kishtwar High Altitude National Park and South Eastern Paddar as critical habitats for the endangered Snow Leopard in India.

A government official said that the research team comprising Dr. Pankaj Chandan (NDF- Jammu) and Dr Muneeb (NCF-Mysore) has worked in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection and under the guidance of Dr Neeraj Sharma (Incharge Institute of Mountain and Environment Jammu University, Bhaderwah Campus) and close supervision of Dr. Tariq Shah (Research Associate Wildlife Department).

Snow Leopards, classified as a threatened species, find refuge in mountain habitats across Central Asia, including the Himalayan Mountain ranges spanning 12 countries.

These elusive cats predominantly prey on Ibex, Blue Sheep, Marmots, and lagomorphs, showcasing remarkable adaptations for survival in harsh and high-altitude environments.

The groundbreaking survey, marking the first-ever comprehensive study of Snow Leopards in Kishtwar, underscores the region's ecological significance. Utilizing advanced camera trap technology, the study captured a substantial number of Snow Leopards and their prey in their natural habitat, affirming the area's potential as a pivotal conservation site for these rare felines.

Covering two primary areas, Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, Marwah-Dachhan, Kishtwar, and South-eastern Paddar in Kishtwar, the survey meticulously delineated grids for observation, he said.

"Deploying 278 camera traps across 135 locations revealed the presence of approximately 20 individual Snow Leopards, including an adult with two cubs, confirming breeding within the Kishtwar Snow Leopard population.
While Snow Leopards are found in various regions in India, Kishtwar, after Ladakh, boasts the highest density of these majestic cats," he said.

He added that efforts to estimate the overall population in Kishtwar are ongoing, promising critical insights into Snow Leopard conservation strategies.
The findings not only highlight the urgent need for robust conservation measures to protect Kishtwar's Snow Leopard habitat but also present an opportunity for responsible ecotourism development, the official said.

Similar initiatives in Ladakh and other Snow Leopard regions have proven successful, potentially creating employment avenues for local youth as tour guides, said the official adding that this milestone study lays a strong foundation for further surveys aimed at accurately estimating Snow Leopard populations in Jammu and Kashmir, crucial for their conservation.

Building upon the initial findings that highlighted the significant presence of these elusive felines, the subsequent surveys have continued to yield encouraging results. The evolving estimation of nearly 100 Snow Leopards within the district emphasizes the critical importance of conserving the habitat and implementing comprehensive conservation measures.

The Wildlife Department, acknowledging the importance of these findings, calls for collaborative efforts among government bodies, conservation organizations, and local communities to safeguard Kishtwar's Snow Leopard population.
The discovery of a thriving Snow Leopard population in Kishtwar not only reaffirms its significance as a conservation stronghold but also opens doors to showcasing its biodiversity through sustainable ecotourism initiatives.
Together, by protecting these iconic species and embracing responsible tourism, we can ensure a future where humans and wildlife thrive in harmony. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Amid forecast for “mainly clear” weather with chances of “brief spell” of rain and thunderstorm in the evening, the night temperatures continued to hover below normal in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

A meteorological department official here told GNS that rain was expected at “many places” from May 6-8. Thereafter from May 9-12, he said, weather was expected to be “mainly dry”.

In fact, he said, the weather was favorable for “spraying and harvesting” and farmers can utilize the same today and May 9-12.

Regarding temperature, he said, Srinagar recorded a low of 9.6°C against 10.3°C on the previous night and it was 0.1°C below normal for the summer capital.

Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of 7.8°C against 7.2°C on the previous night and it was below normal by 0.7°C for the gateway town of Kashmir.

Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of 3.6°C against 2.0°C on previous night and it was 1.3°C above normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Kokernag recorded a low of 7.0°C against 6.7°C on the previous night and it was 1.4°C below normal for the place, the officials said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of 2.2°C against 3.8°C on previous night and it was 2.1°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.

In Kupwara town, he said, the mercury settled at 7.4°C against 9.6°C on the previous night and it was 1.0°C below normal for the north Kashmir area.

Jammu recorded a low of 17.3°C against 17.6°C on the previous night and it was 5.3°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.

Banihal recorded a low of 7.7°C (below normal by 2.4°C), Batote 9.7°C (2.8°C below normal), Katra 15.1°C (4.1°C below normal) and Bhaderwah 8.0°C (below normal by 1.2°C). Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 0.2°C and 5.4°C respectively, he added. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Amid forecast for generally cloudy weather with possibility of rains at several places during next 24 hours, night temperature recorded a drop and settled below normal at most places in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, officials said.   

A meteorological department official told GNS that there was possibility of a brief spell of rain and thunderstorm particularly in Kupwara, Poonch, Rajouri and Baramulla today.

On May 5, he said, the weather was likely to be fair to partly cloudy. “Brief spell of rain/thunderstorm can't be ruled out towards late afternoon/evening”.

From May 6-8, he said, there was likelihood of rain at “many places.”

The weather department has urged tourists to keep warm clothes ready. “Weather is going to be cold till May 8th.”

The department also urged farmers to avoid spraying of apple trees and harvesting of crops (in Jammu region) during May 6-8 as chances of rain were high.

Regarding temperature, he said, Srinagar recorded a low of 10.3°C against 10.4°C on the previous night and it was 0.6°C above normal for the summer capital.

Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of 7.2°C against 8.8°C on the previous night and it was below normal by 1.3°C for the gateway town of Kashmir.

Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of 2.0°C against 5.2°C on previous night and it was 2.9°C above normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Kokernag recorded a low of 6.7°C against 7.4°C on the previous night and it was 1.2°C above normal for the place, the officials said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of 3.8°C against 3.5°C on previous night and it was 0.5°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.

In Kupwara town, he said, the mercury settled at 9.6°C against 8.7°C on the previous night and it was 1.2°C below normal for the north Kashmir area.

Jammu recorded a low of 17.6°C against 18.8°C on the previous night and it was 5.0°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said. 

Banihal recorded a low of 7.3°C (below normal by 2.8°C), Batote 8.1°C (4.4°C below normal), Katra 13.1°C (6.1°C below normal) and Bhaderwah 6.4°C (below normal by 2.8°C). Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 1.5°C and 2.8°C respectively, he added. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Amid decrease in precipitation and forecast for scattered to fairly widespread light rain and thunderstorm in next 24 hours, the minimum temperature recorded a drop in Jammu and Kashmir below normal on Friday.   

 
A meteorological department official here told GNS that “mainly dry weather to isolated very light rain and thunderstorm” was expected during two subsequent days. 

While there was improvement in rainfall activity, in the last 24 hours till 0830 hours this morning, Srinagar received 0.7mm of rain, Qazigund 14.6mm, Pahalgam 9.0mm, Kokernag 3.2mm, Gulmarg 8.6mm,  Jammu 7.4mm, Banihal 5.0mm, Batote 6.2mm, Bhaderwah 8.4mm, Katra 13.0mm, and Kathua 1.6mm.

Regarding temperature, the MeT official said that Srinagar recorded a low of 6.2°C against 7.9°C on the previous night and it was 2.7°C below normal for the summer capital.

Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of 4.4°C against 7.2°C on the previous night and it was 3.1°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir.

Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of 3.5°C against 2.6°C on the previous night and it was 0.5°C below normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Kokernag recorded a low of 3.7°C against 6.2°C on the previous night and it was 3.9°C below normal for the place, the officials said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 1.0°C against minus 0.6°C on the previous night and it was 4.3°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.

In Kupwara town, he said, the mercury settled at 4.4°C against 6.7°C on the previous night and it was 3.2°C below normal for the north Kashmir area.

Jammu recorded a low of 15.0°C against 18.5°C on the previous night. It was 6.0°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.

Banihal, he said, recorded a low of 5.1°C (below normal by 4.3°C), Batote 6.7°C (below normal by 5.3°C), Katra 13.1°C (5.0°C below normal) and Bhadarwah 6.1°C (2.3°C below normal). Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 2.6°C and 2.2°C respectively, the officials added. (GNS)