Srinagar: Kashmir was transformed into a winter wonderland on Thursday as fresh snowfall blanketed the region. Significant snow accumulation was recorded across the valley and higher altitudes, with sub-zero temperatures gripping Kashmir and Ladakh UT.
The Meteorological Department has forecast cloudy weather over the next 12 hours, with chances of light rain or snow in some areas. However, no major snowfall is expected, and a dry spell is likely to prevail in the coming days.
Sonamarg received 10 inches of snow, Zojila Pass 12 inches, Z Gali 11 inches, and Sadhna Pass 13 inches. Sinthan Top recorded 13-15 inches, Margan Top 10 inches, and Peer Ki Gali 10-12 inches. Tangmarg and Heerpora in Shopian received 3-4 inches each, while Shopian town saw 2 inches, Aharbal in Kulgam recorded 3 inches, and Chiranbal in Kulgam 3-4 inches.
Pahalgam recorded 2 inches of snow, while nearby Baltal saw 8 inches. Sopore received 2-3 inches, Pattan 2 inches, and Khan Sahib in Budgam 2-3 inches. Bandipora town witnessed light snowfall of 1-2 cm.
According to the Meteorological Department, Nyoma in Ladakh was the coldest at -15.4°C. In Kashmir, Srinagar recorded -1.7°C, Gulmarg and Pahalgam -5.7°C and -4.4°C, respectively. Other notable lows included Kupwara at -1.8°C, Ganderbal at -2.8°C, and Kulgam at -1.6°C. South Kashmir’s Shopian recorded -1.6°C, Pulwama -1.7°C, and Anantnag 0.7°C.
In the Jammu region, Ramban recorded the highest minimum temperature at 10.2°C, followed by Katra at 10.1°C and Jammu city at 6.8°C. Bhaderwah logged 2.9°C, Batote 5.3°C, Samba 2.7°C, and Banihal 3.9°C.
In Ladakh, temperatures remained well below freezing, with Nyoma at -15.4°C, Upshi at -9.3°C, Padum and Kargil at -5.7°C and -5.3°C, respectively, and Leh at -9.1°C.
