Sarinagar Feb 16 (KNS): With a prolonged wet spell expected from February 17 evening onwards, Kashmir Valley witnessed a rise in night temperatures on Friday.

Providing data, an official said that the city recorded a low of minus 1.6°C compared to minus 3.0°C the previous night. Despite the increase, it remained 2.6°C below the normal temperature for this time of year.

Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, experienced a minimum temperature of minus 1.2°C, up from minus 2.0°C the night before, still 1.1°C below normal.

Pahalgam, a renowned resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 4.2°C, slightly above the normal temperature for this time of year.

Similarly, Kokernag, another popular destination in south Kashmir, saw a minimum temperature of 0.4°C, above normal by 1.3°C.

In north Kashmir, Kupwara town recorded a low of minus 2.4°C, 2.2°C below normal, while Gulmarg, the famous skiing resort, experienced a low of minus 3.4°C, above normal by 3.4°C.

Jammu, the winter capital, recorded a minimum of 9.2°C, below normal by 1.3°C.

The weather department has forecast an "extended wet spell" in Jammu and Kashmir from Saturday night until the afternoon of February 21, with moderate to intense Western Disturbances expected to affect the region.

The forecast for Kashmir Valley includes partly to generally cloudy skies with light snow expected at isolated higher reaches towards late Saturday night. On February 18, light to moderate rain and snow are expected at many places, followed by the possibility of more widespread precipitation from February 19 to 20, with heavy snowfall expected in certain districts.(KNS)