Srinagar, Jan. 31 -- The night temperature settled below the freezing point across Kashmir, but rose in most areas, officials said, as Saturday marks the beginning of 'Chillai Khurd' and end of the harshest winter period.

The meteorological department, however, has forecast light to moderate rain or snow, especially in the higher reaches, they said.

The minimum temperature in Srinagar city settled at minus 0.1 degrees Celsius on Friday night, down from the previous night's 1.3 degrees Celsius. This was 0.5 degrees above the seasonal normal.

While the temperature data for several places, including Sonamarg in Ganderbal district, was not available, the ski resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla district was the coldest recorded place in Jammu an...