Srinagar/Anantnag, Jan 16 : Following a drop in temperatures, substantial snowfall blanketed higher reaches and isolated areas in Kashmir, while light rain affected the plains on Thursday. The meteorological department has predicted an improvement in weather conditions starting Friday afternoon.
Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT) Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, informed Rising Kashmir that under the influence of Western disturbances, moderate to light snowfall occurred over higher reaches of Kashmir, while plains experienced incessant rain. He mentioned that some areas, particularly in the south, central, and north Kashmir regions, as well as the Pir Panjal range of Jammu Division, received moderate snowfall.
“From January 17 to 18, weather will remain generally cloudy, with light snow possible in isolated higher reaches. Overall, no significant weather changes are expected until January 19,” Dr. Mukhtar added. “From January 20 to 21, we anticipate generally cloudy weather with a possibility of light snowfall in isolated to scattered areas. Similarly, from January 22 to 23, light to moderate rain is expected in the region.”
In South Kashmir, fresh snowfall began early in the morning and intensified by afternoon, particularly affecting areas like Qazigund, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian, and Aharbal. By the afternoon, the snowfall stopped in most areas, leaving 2-4 inches in the plains and 6-8 inches in the higher reaches.
Several areas recorded snowfall, including Qazigund (4 inches), Mir Bazar (3 inches), Kulgam (5 inches), Shopian (6 inches), and Pahalgam (5 inches). Higher reaches in areas like Sonamarg saw as much as 9-10 inches of snow, while Sadhna Top recorded 2 feet and Machil 1 foot.
In Srinagar city, 0.7 mm of rainfall was recorded till 7 PM on Thursday, while the ski resort Gulmarg in Baramulla received 5 inches of fresh snowfall, and Tangmarg recorded 4 inches.
Due to fresh snowfall on the tracks, train services between Banihal in Jammu Division and Baramulla in Kashmir were temporarily suspended. Railway officials stated that services would resume once the tracks are cleared of accumulated snow. Meanwhile, slow movement was observed on NH-44 due to the breakdown of heavy motor vehicles (HMVs). Traffic was restricted to a single lane in certain areas like Dalwas, Mehad, and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather.
In South Kashmir, snow-clearing efforts were ongoing, with 30 snow-clearing machines deployed in areas like Pahalgam and Kokernag. The Kulgam police also rescued 11 passengers whose vehicle overturned in a minor accident, providing shelter to them with no reported injuries.
Tourists in areas like Qazigund also enjoyed the snowfall, with one tourist from Uttarakhand describing the experience as a real-life depiction of the famous Persian verse: “If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.”
On Friday, subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, light motor vehicles (LMVs) and private cars will be allowed to travel on the Jammu-Srinagar NH-44. The Traffic Control Units (TCUs) of Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban to assess road conditions.
Owing to overcast conditions, the minimum temperatures across Kashmir rose slightly, providing some relief from the intense cold. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.5°C on Wednesday night, up from minus 4.8°C the previous night. Gulmarg saw a low of minus 7°C, Pahalgam recorded minus 4.2°C, Qazigund minus 3.8°C, Konibal in Pampore minus 3.5°C, Kupwara minus 1.9°C, and Kokernag minus 2.2°C.
