Fresh snowfall brings relief from freezing temperature

Several parts of the Kashmir valley experienced fresh snowfall on Thursday, providing some relief from the harsh freezing temperatures. The Meteorological Department has forecasted more snow in the coming days, with two back-to-back western disturbances expected to affect the region.

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Snowfall began late Wednesday night and continued into Thursday, with moderate to heavy snow reported in several north Kashmir districts, while the plains received lighter snowfall. This marked the end of a prolonged dry spell, as Kashmir had experienced moderate to heavy snowfall last week, disrupting air, road and rail connectivity and affecting daily life.

The MeT reported that Gulmarg, a popular tourist town in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 8.6°C, while Pahalgam in the south saw temperatures drop to minus 4°C. Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 5.2°C.

The weather department has predicted generally cloudy conditions with light snow at isolated higher reaches on Friday. From January 4 to 6, moderate to strong western disturbances are expected to bring moderate to heavy snow and rain across Jammu and Kashmir, with peak activity anticipated from the night of January 4 through the late night of January 5 and into the morning of January 6. Conditions are expected to improve by the afternoon of January 6. Dry weather is forecasted from January 7 to 10.