Season’s first snowfall in Kashmir plains brings relief after long dry spell

Many areas in the plains of Kashmir received the season’s first snowfall on Thursday, bringing a cheer to the residents as it ended a long dry spell in the Union Territory. Meanwhile, snowfall in the higher reaches, which began in Wednesday, continued at several places.

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Srinagar Meteorological Department (MeT) department Director Mukhtar Ahmad told The Tribune that several areas in the plains of Kashmir witnessed mostly light snowfall on Thursday. “Several areas in the plains witnessed the season’s first snowfall during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday,” he said. “High altitude places, including the ski resorts of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg in South Kashmir also received snowfall.”

Ahmad, however, said that Kashmir region continued to witness rainfall deficit and there was no widespread snowfall on Thursday. Srinagar, the summer capital, didn’t record any snowfall. “There has been about 80 per cent deficit rainfall since October in the Kashmir region,” he said.

Meanwhile, night temperatures rose across the Valley, including Srinagar, due to cloud cover.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.5°C, up from minus 3°C the previous night. Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 5.2°C while Pahalgam, which serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, saw a minimum of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius.

According to the J&K Traffic Department, while the crucial Srinagar- Jammu Highway was open, the Srinagar-Leh highway was closed following the heavy accumulation of snow on Srinagar- Gumri road.

Also, the Mughal Road, which connects South Kashmir’s Shopian district with Rajouri and Poonch districts in Jammu region is also closed due to snow. Officials also said Sinthan-Kishtwar road is also shut for traffic. A senior official said men and machinery have been deployed to clear the snow.

“In view of fresh snowfall, freezing temperature and icy conditions over roads of important passes and higher reaches, travellers are advised to follow the traffic advisory,” the MeT department said.

The MeT department has, meanwhile, predicted mostly dry weather in the coming days. “Starting from Friday, the temperature is all set to dip further and there is no major weather change expected in the coming days,” said Mukhtar Ahmad.

Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited in a statement on X said due to snowfall in some areas and inclement weather elsewhere, it has advised its staff to remain ready to meet any exigency. “The executive engineers/ store incharges shall provide all possible support to field staff. Strict adherence to SOPs and other safety measures shall be ensured,” it said.