Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Sep 05
Kashmir’s higher mountain areas received the season’s first snowfall on Saturday, while rain, hail and gusty winds affected parts of the plains, bringing a drop in temperatures after a week of warmer weather.
Fresh snow was reported along the Sonamarg-Zojila axis, including Gumri, as well as in Tulail near Gurez in Bandipora district. The mountains around Gulmarg and Mahadev Peak near Srinagar also received snowfall.
The snowfall remained confined to higher elevations, while lower areas saw lighter rain and temperatures in the upper 20s Celsius.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 26.6 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam recorded 23.4 degrees, Gulmarg 19 degrees, and Jammu 32.7 degrees, according to the weather data cited in the report.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar forecast generally dry weather with isolated rain or thunderstorms from September 5 to September 13.
Scattered rain or thunderstorms are expected on September 14-15, followed by mostly dry conditions with isolated showers through September 18.
Light snowfall also dusted the higher reaches around Minamarg, Sonamarg, Gumri and the Drass sector.
Despite the weather, traffic on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway remained largely smooth, although drivers were advised to exercise caution on slippery stretches.
Border Roads Organisation personnel remained on alert to keep the mountain route operational.
The early snowfall comes as the region transitions towards autumn, with colder conditions expected at higher elevations in the coming days.
