Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 19

Fresh snowfall in higher reaches of Kashmir and rainfall across the plains lowered temperatures on Sunday, officials said, while forecasters predicted mainly dry weather in the coming days.

Moderate snowfall was reported in the Tulail area of Gurez Valley, at Razdan Top in Bandipora district, and on both sides of Zojila Pass in the Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district. 

Snow was also recorded along the Mughal Road linking Shopian with the Poonch-Rajouri region, as well as at Sinthan Top and Margan Top connecting Kashmir with the Chenab Valley.

An official said snow accumulation at Zojila Pass exceeded 8 inches, forcing the closure of the Srinagar-Ladakh highway and leaving several vehicles stranded. 

Police and civil authorities rescued passengers travelling to Gurez after the road was shut, the official added.

Multiple key routes were closed due to snowfall, including the Mughal Road, Srinagar-Kargil Road, Bandipora-Gurez Road, Anantnag-Sinthan Top-Kishtwar Road, and the Anantnag-Margan Top-Warwan-Marwa route.

Light to moderate rainfall was recorded in the plains during the early hours, with weather conditions improving later in the day, a Meteorological Department official said.

Srinagar received 6.5 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, while Kupwara recorded 12.5 mm. Gulmarg and Pahalgam registered 11 mm and 3.3 mm.

The impact of a western disturbance was more pronounced in north and central Kashmir, with relatively less effect in the south. 

Light rainfall was also reported in parts of the Jammu region.

Day temperatures fell sharply following the precipitation. 

Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 15.8 degrees Celsius, about 5 degrees below normal. 

Pahalgam also recorded 15.8 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg registered 7.6 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department has forecast generally dry weather from April 20 to April 23, which is expected to ease disruptions and support normal public and agricultural activities.

However, conditions are likely to turn partly to generally cloudy between April 24 and April 25, with brief spells of light rain or thundershowers expected at several places. 

Gusty winds may occur at isolated locations during the late afternoon and evening.

A short spell of light rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds is also likely at a few places on April 26, mainly in the afternoon, officials said.