Rain in plains, snow in upper reaches of J&K break prolonged dry spell

Light snowfall was recorded in popular tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and Doodhpathri in Budgam district. Snowfall was also reported in Heerpora, Shopian, and Uri, Baramulla, along with several other higher-altitude locations.

The Meteorological Department had predicted rain and snow on Thursday night as well. "The main activity is expected over Jammu region, Chenab Valley, and the higher reaches of South Kashmir. Plains of Jammu may receive light to moderate rain or thunderstorms with gusty winds at a few places. Higher reaches of Chenab Valley and South Kashmir may witness moderate snowfall, while north and central Kashmir's higher reaches could receive 4-8 inches of snow," the department stated.

An advisory was issued for tourists and travellers, urging them to check with the traffic department regarding road conditions in the region.

In Kashmir, upper reaches, including the famous tourist resort of Gulmarg, received fresh snowfall, while the plains saw light rain, bringing relief from the prolonged dry conditions. According to the MeT Department, Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded 7.5 cm of snowfall overnight. In Srinagar, a portion of the footpath and sidewall along Boulevard Road on the banks of Dal Lake caved in due to the rain.

National Conference chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq visited the affected area along Boulevard Road, highlighting the "critical issue" of soil erosion and damage to infrastructure. “The Smart City project is still in its early stages, yet such infrastructural issues are already occurring. This should not be happening,” Sadiq said.

The Meteorological Center in Srinagar predicted another spell of rain and snow from February 26-28.

This fresh spell of wet weather is expected to provide much-needed relief to the region, which has endured an unusually dry winter, with January and February recording an overall precipitation deficit of approximately 80 percent.

In Ladakh, snow was reported at the Zojila-Drass axis, causing disruptions in traffic. The MeT department in Leh issued an advisory, warning of heavy snowfall at Zojila and Sankoo-Penzila on February 26-27.

Helicopter, ropeway service suspended at Vaishno Devi

However, they said the pilgrimage to the shrine continued without any disruption. The battery car service was also functioning normally.

The hills surrounding the shrine were covered by snow, providing a spectacular view to the devotees who walked from base camp Katra to the shrine, the officials said.

They said Patnitop hill resort and its adjoining areas also experienced snowfall, while the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was lashed by rains throughout the day. However, the traffic on the arterial road played without any disruption.