Srinagar, Dec 8: The higher elevations of the Kashmir Valley, including the well-known ski resort of Gulmarg, welcomed a fresh layer of snowfall on Sunday, as reported by officials.
The new snowfall led to the closure of the historic Mughal road, which connects the Shopian district in southern Kashmir with the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch in the Jammu division, along with the Sinthan road in Kishtwar, as confirmed by traffic police officials.
Tourists expressed their delight at Gulmarg, situated in Baramulla district of northern Kashmir, upon witnessing the fresh snowfall.
Additionally, snowfall was reported from the Machhil and Bangus valleys, located in Kupwara district of northern Kashmir, as well as the upper reaches of Bandipora district. Several higher elevations of the mountainous Pir Panjal range in Jammu and Kashmir also experienced fresh snowfall.
The snowfall in the higher areas intensified the cold wave conditions in the Kashmir Valley, even though the previous night had seen a slight increase in night temperatures, remaining below freezing point.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar forecasted an overall cloudy sky with a possibility of light rain in some areas of the plain and hilly regions of Jammu division, alongside light rain and snow in select higher areas of the Kashmir Valley from December 8 to the morning of December 9.
Independent weather forecaster, Faizan Arif, mentioned that light snowfall is likely in a few higher regions of the Kashmir Valley on Sunday evening, along with a minor rain spell possible in some areas of the Jammu region.
A minor snow spell is anticipated in certain locations, particularly in southern Kashmir, toward the morning of December 9, followed by a transition to partly cloudy to sunny weather in the afternoon.
He noted that light rain or snow may also affect parts of Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, and Ramban districts, with a chance of a minor rain spell in other Jammu region districts.
December 10 is expected to be dry.
On December 11, a minor snowfall could occur in the higher reaches of Ganderbal and Bandipora districts in central and northern Kashmir, respectively.
An upcoming weak Western Disturbance anticipated on December 12 might bring light rain or snow to some areas of the Kashmir Valley.
The weather is expected to remain mainly dry until December 17, according to forecasts.
At the ski resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla district, the night temperature showed a slight improvement, but it remained the coldest spot, recording -3.4°C on Sunday.
The temperature in Srinagar dipped to -0.5°C, up from -2.0°C the previous day, which is 0.1°C above normal for this time of year, as per the MeT office.
The temperature at Pahalgam settled at -2.8°C, compared to -4.3°C the prior night, aligning with the usual conditions for this area in Anantnag district.
Qazigund recorded a low of -1.0°C, up from -2.4°C the day before, making it 0.3°C below normal for this region.
Kokernag reported a low of 0.4°C, a rise from -2.2°C the previous night, which is 1.0°C above normal for the location.
The temperature in Kupwara district saw a significant increase, recording 0.4°C on Sunday compared to -3.6°C the previous night, which is 1.9°C above what is typical for this time of year, as stated by the Met office. (Agencies)
