Fresh snowfall in Valley’s higher reaches, rain lashes plains

Some areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall, while rain lashed other parts of the Valley, including the plains, on Saturday, officials said.

Several districts in Kashmir experienced heavy rainfall, with the popular tourist destination Gulmarg recording the highest precipitation. Some major roads in the Valley were closed, and rainfall also led to waterlogging in certain areas.

According to the Meteorological Department, Gulmarg received 35.2 mm of rain, followed by Kokernag in south Kashmir with 33.2 mm. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded 20 mm, while Srinagar saw 18.3 mm of rainfall.

A MeT stated that weather conditions are expected to improve from the evening of April 20, with a significant decrease in rainfall. The department has already advised farmers to suspend agricultural activities until April 21.

The J&K Traffic Department confirmed that while the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway remains open, the Srinagar–Sonamarg– Gumri (SSG) road, which connects the Valley with Ladakh, has been closed due to snow accumulation.

Other roads that have been closed include the Mughal Road, connecting south Kashmir with the Pir Panjal region; the Bandipora–Gurez road; and the Sinthan Road, which links south Kashmir with Kishtwar.