Srinagar, Nov 23 (UNI) Most parts of Kashmir valley, including world famous ski resort of Gulmarg and health resort of Pahalgam, received fresh snowfall while rain lashed the summer capital, Srinagar, resulting in dip in the day temperature.
However, the night temperature improvement and settled above freezing point at most places in the valley, where ‘Orange Colour’ weather warning has been issued for the higher reaches.
A Met department spokesperson said that heavy rain and snow would occur at isolated places in the Kashmir during the next three days from Monday under the influence of a Western Disturbance (WD), which hit the region on Sunday evening. “During this time, light to moderate rain and snow is also expected to occur at most places in the valley, including plains,” he said.
Similarly, he said, Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan would experience isolated to scattered rain and snow Wednesday. “The weather is expected to improve from Thursday onwards,” he added.
Gulmarg, about 55 km from here in north Kashmir, received fresh snow since late last night, resulting in dip in the maximum temperature. Kongdori and Apharwat, the highest point of the cable car project in Gulmarg, also received light to moderate snowfall. Gulmarg, which is known for its ski slopes and quality of snow, has witnessed increase in the influx of tourists. “Despite snow since early this morning, the tourists are out on ski slopes, which are already covered under several feet of snow, enjoying different activities,” a hotelier told UNI over the phone.
However, he said the mercury during the night improved 3 degree from Sunday though it was still the coldest place in the valley. Against minus 7.4 degree recorded on Sunday, the night temperature in the ski resort was minus 4.5 degree, which is over 2 degree below normal.
People in the summer capital, Srinagar, woke up to a chilly and rainy Monday morning, resulting in further dip in the day temperature. The city, which is yet to receive first snowfall of the season so far, received incessant rain since the morning. As the electricity was off in most areas of the city, people had to rely on traditional ‘kangdi’ (firepot) to keep themselves warm.
Tourist resort of Sonamarg and its adjoining areas also received fresh snowfall overnight, resulting in suspension of traffic on Srinagar-Leh national highway. It was snowing at Zojia pass, Meenmarg, Sonamarg and Drass, the second coldest place in the world after Siberia.
Dozens of far-flung and remote villages, including border towns of Keran, Karnah, Tanghdar and Machil, were cut off on Monday in north Kashmir due slippery road conditions following fresh snowfall. Sadhna top, Z gali and Phirkiyan pass received about a foot to 1.5 feet of fresh snowfall since last night. The main town in Kupwara also received the season’s first snowfall on Monday.
Gurez, which is surrounded from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) from three sides, received fresh snowfall. Razdan pass received a foot of fresh snowfall overnight while other places, including Dawar and Tulail Valley, recorded 8 to 10 inches of fresh snow. The Bandipora-Gurez road remained closed since November 14 due to accumulation of several feet of snow.
Fresh snowfall was also recorded at world famous health resort of Pahalgam, about 100 km from here in south Kashmir. The night temperature at the health resort improved about 5 degree and settled at 0.3 degree, which is 2 degree above normal.
The upper reaches in Pahalgam, including Chandanwari, received very light snowfall. Amarnath cave shine and its periphery, besides Sheshnag, Mahagung, Pisso top and Panjterni, also received light to moderate snowfall.
Other parts of the valley, including tourist resort of Kokernag and Qazigund, gateway to the valley, also received snow and rain since late last night.
UNI ABS JW1714