Fresh snowfall, rain lash parts of Kashmir, weather to improve

Srinagar, Dec 23: Parts of Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall and rain overnight, while minimum temperatures remained above the freezing point at most places in Kashmir.

The intensity was severe in the north Kashmir higher reaches.

The ski resort of Gulmarg was among the higher reaches that received intermittent snowfall through the night, which continued into the morning.

Gurez and Tulail in Bandipora district, along with Sadhna Top in Kupwara, recorded heavy snowfall again, with accumulations ranging between 2 and 3 feet.

The Zojila-Sonamarg stretch received heavy snowfall, with around 18 inches recorded, officials said.

In south Kashmir higher reaches of Pahalgam, including Aru Valley and Chandanwari, received a few inches of snow.

Margan Top and Sinthan Top – connecting Anantnag with Warwan and Marwah valleys, and Kishtwar also witnessed snowfall, forcing the closure of both roads.

Mughal Road in Shopian also received fresh snowfall, with the road closed due to more accumulation at Peer Ki Gali.

The plains of Kashmir also received intermittent rain.

The minimum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at 2.7 degrees Celsius, down from 4 degrees Celsius the previous night and about 5 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, officials said.

Other parts of the Valley reported above-normal minimum temperatures ranging from 3.8 to 5.6 degrees Celsius.

Tourist resorts Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded sub-zero temperatures, with lows of minus 2.2 degrees Celsius and minus 0.2 degrees Celsius.

In south Kashmir, Qazigund recorded a low of 3.2 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag registered 2.8 degrees Celsius.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of 2.4 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department forecast generally cloudy weather with the possibility of rain at isolated places, adding that the weather is likely to remain dry over the next few days.

Officials said the forecast has largely matched expectations, with no snowfall in the plains due to relatively higher temperatures.

“Overall, the major system has already moved out of Jammu and Kashmir. The models aren’t indicating any significant precipitation across most parts, though some precipitation may still occur at higher elevations due to residual moisture from the earlier western disturbance,” an official said.