Leh-Srinagar highway shut after fresh snowfall at Zojila

Snowfall in the higher reaches of the region has led to the closure of Zojila Pass, which connects the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh.

Apart from the upper reaches of Kashmir, snowfall was reported in the Kargil–Zanskar ranges, including the Zojila–Drass axis, as well as over the peaks of Leh district.

Snowfall was also witnessed in parts of Gurez Valley in Bandipora and the Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district. The Mughal Road, which connects the Valley with Rajouri and Poonch districts, also experienced snowfall.

Meanwhile, the plains of the Valley received light to moderate rainfall during the early hours of the day, bringing down daytime temperatures.

Several key roads in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Mughal Road and the Bandipora–Gurez road, have been closed due to snowfall.

The Meteorological (MeT) Centre in Srinagar said weather conditions are expected to remain generally dry from April 20 to 23, followed by generally cloudy skies with brief spells of light rain from April 24 to 25.

The MeT has advised farmers to resume agricultural operations from April 20 onwards, noting that daytime temperatures are likely to rise by 2–4°C at many places from Monday.

The MeT Centre in Leh said conditions will remain generally cloudy in Ladakh on April 20, while rain and snow may occur at some locations between April 25 and 27. It also warned of a moderate to high risk of Zojila Pass remaining closed until Monday afternoon.