• Fresh snowfall in higher reaches, MeT forecasts more today
• Cold breeze grips Kashmir, Gulmarg freezes at -3.4°C, Pahalgam at 2.8°C
• Two-way traffic to ply on Sgr-Jmu highway today
Srinagar, Dec 08: Fresh snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Kashmir, while light rain lashed several plains across the region on Wednesday. The Meteorological Department has forecast that these weather conditions will persist until December 10.
Ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, along with Gurez in Bandipora, Machil in Kupwara, Tangdar, Sonamarg in Ganderbal, Peer Ki Gali, Sinthon Top, Machil, and Lolab valley, experienced light snowfall until late Sunday evening. Isolated areas of Kashmir’s plains also received light rain during the same period.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Indian Meteorological Centre Kashmir, informed Rising Kashmir that several higher reaches, including Kupwara, Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Shopian, recorded fresh snowfall on Sunday. Meanwhile, isolated places in the plains saw light rainfall.
“We expect generally cloudy weather with light rain over a few areas of the plains and hilly areas of the Jammu division. Snowfall is also expected in the higher reaches of Kashmir division until December 9,” Dr. Mukhtar said. However, he clarified that no major snowfall is expected in J&K and Ladakh regions for the next 2-3 days. He also predicted a further dip in minimum temperatures in the coming days.
The 40-day period of severe winter, locally known as Chillai Kalan, is set to begin on December 21 and will last until January 31.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 9.6°C and a minimum of minus 0.5°C on Sunday, following a drop in day temperatures due to cloudy weather. Gulmarg, the coldest place in Kashmir, recorded a maximum of 1.0°C and a minimum of minus 3.4°C. Health resort Pahalgam recorded 7.8°C during the day, with a minimum temperature of minus 2.8°C. The gateway of Kashmir, Qazigund, saw a maximum of 9.0°C and a minimum of 0.5°C, while Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a maximum of 11.7°C and a minimum of minus 0.4°C.
Meanwhile, traffic movement on NH-44 slowed down due to the breakdown of several heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), causing delays at Dalwas, Mehad, and between Marog and Kishtwar Pather.
On Monday, subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will be allowed from both sides on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, with the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) in Ramban liaising for road conditions.
Additionally, vehicular movement (only LMVs) on the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road will be allowed from both sides between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. No vehicles will be allowed after the cut-off time.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road, LMVs, followed by HMVs, will be permitted from Minamarg towards Srinagar from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, with no vehicles allowed after the cut-off time.
Motorists have been advised to carry anti-skid chains to maintain grip on slippery roads. The Security Forces (SF) convoy plying between Srinagar and Kargil will plan their movement in a manner that does not disturb civilian traffic.
On Mughal Road, LMVs and HMVs (up to 10 tyres) will be allowed from both sides between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. No vehicles will be permitted after the cut-off timing.
Travelers are urged to stay updated on road conditions and follow guidelines for safe travel.
