Srinagar, March 8 Kashmir experienced above-normal daytime temperatures on Sunday, even as the meteorological department forecast spells of wet weather, especially in the higher reaches of the Valley, over the next few days.
The maximum temperature across the Valley remained above the seasonal average, with the deviations ranging from 9.4 to 10.7 degrees Celsius, officials said.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 24.3 degrees Celsius, 9.6 degrees above normal.
The Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir's Anantnag, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra, registered a high of 20.8 degrees Celsius, 9.4 degrees above average.
The famous Gulmarg ski resort in north Kashmir recorded a maximum temperature of 14.2 degrees Celsius, 9.6 degrees above normal.
Jammu and Kashmir also experienced above-normal daytime temperatures last month.
The Union Territory recorded its seventh consecutive winter rainfall deficit, with the core winter period from December 2025 to February 2026 ending with a massive 65% deviation from the normal.
The region received just 100.6 mm of precipitation against a normal of 284.9 mm from December 2025 to February 2026.
December saw an actual rainfall of 13 mm against the normal of 59.4 mm, marking a deviation of 78%.
January witnessed an actual rainfall of 73.4 mm against the normal of 95.1 mm, with a deviation of 23%.
January also experienced some western disturbance activity, preventing a total seasonal collapse. However, rainfall still remained below normal and could not compensate for December's shortfall.
In February, the actual rainfall was only 14.2 mm compared to the normal of 130.4 mm, a deviation of 89%.
Meanwhile, the meteorological department has forecast the weather to remain generally cloudy with light rain or snow—especially in the higher reaches—at isolated places on Monday.
There is a possibility of light rain or snow, especially in the higher reaches, at many places from March 10-12. A few higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Anantnag may receive moderate snowfall, it said.
From March 13-17, there is a possibility of light rain or snow at isolated places in the higher reaches, the Met office added.
It has advised farmers to suspend farming activities from March 10-12.
The Met office also predicted a fall in daytime temperatures by 4-6 degrees Celsius from March 9-12 at many places.
