Srinagar: Fresh snowfall blanketed Kashmir on Thursday, with wet weather expected to continue in the higher reaches of the valley in the coming days, according to the weather department.
Tourist destinations such as Pahalgam, Sonamarg, the Zojila axis, upper areas in Budgam, Gurez, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and other regions experienced snowfall early in the morning.
The plains of Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, and Baramulla also saw light snowfall, officials confirmed. In Srinagar, light snow began falling as the latest reports came in.
The Meteorological Department predicts generally cloudy weather with light rain or snow in scattered areas of Kashmir for the rest of the day. It also noted that light snow in isolated higher reaches is possible over the weekend.
From January 20-21, light snow may fall in scattered areas, while light to moderate snow is expected in scattered to fairly widespread regions from January 22-23, the MeT added.
Due to overcast skies, minimum temperatures across Kashmir rose, offering some relief from the severe cold.
Srinagar’s minimum temperature was recorded at minus 2.5°C on Wednesday night, up from minus 4.8°C the previous night. The famed ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir saw a low of minus 7°C.
Pahalgam recorded minus 4.2°C, rising from minus 8.4°C the night before. Other areas saw temperatures of minus 3.8°C in Qazigund, minus 3.5°C in Konibal (Pampore), minus 1.9°C in Kupwara, and minus 2.2°C in Kokernag.
Kashmir is currently experiencing “Chillai-Kalan,” the coldest period of winter. This 40-day spell, which began on December 21, brings the highest chances of snowfall and a significant drop in temperatures.
