Ladakh: Pensi-la, Khardung La receive season’s first snowfall

Leh, Aug 25: The higher reaches of Ladakh on Monday witnessed the season’s first snowfall, marking the early onset of winter in the region. Fresh snow was reported at Pensi-la in Zanskar and Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes, forcing the closure of the Khardung La road to traffic. The snowfall led to a sharp dip in temperatures across the region.Meanwhile, heavy rainfall lashed parts of Leh district. According to the Meteorological Centre Ladakh, its observatory at Yourting in Leh recorded 47 mm of rainfall till 4 PM on monday, the highest for August since 1973. Officials said that wet weather is likely to continue till tomorrow. “In view of the IMD advisory and prevailing weather conditions, all government and private schools, as well as Anganwadi centres in Leh district, will remain closed on August 26,” read an order issued by the Deputy Commissioner and CEO LAHDC Leh.Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution while travelling on hilly roads, particularly on high-altitude passes where slippery conditions persist due to fresh snowfall.