Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): In a refreshing turn of events, the higher altitudes of Kashmir, including the renowned tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Sonamarg, received fresh snowfall overnight, delighted both tourists and locals alike.
The snow added to the already picturesque landscape of these iconic spots, further enhancing their charm for visitors. Gulmarg, known for its scenic ski resort, recorded a substantial 9 mm of snowfall, while Sonamarg, in Ganderbal district, also saw moderate snow accumulation, much to the pleasure of those staying in the area.
The sudden snowfall has led to changes in the weather patterns across the Kashmir Valley, with a noticeable rise in night temperatures. The temperature across most weather stations in the region has increased by 3°C to 5°C above normal for this time of year. This rise in temperature was observed in key areas like Srinagar, which recorded a low of 1.0°C, compared to -3.2°C on the previous night, and Gulmarg, where the temperature rose significantly from -7.8°C to -3.2°C.
This weather shift has also led to disruptions, particularly on the Gurez-Bandipora road, which has been closed due to fresh snowfall on Razdan Pass, located in the northern part of the Kashmir Valley. The closure of this road affects travel to remote areas, which may face challenges in transportation until conditions improve.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has forecasted that Jammu and Kashmir will experience scattered light to moderate rain and snow for the next 48 hours. On January 22, the plains of Jammu are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall, while the higher altitudes of the Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal Range will likely witness more snow. This precipitation is expected to continue with another spell on January 23, affecting various regions of Jammu and Kashmir, including the plains.
However, the weather outlook for the region looks more promising from January 24 to 28, with the forecast predicting mostly dry conditions. Despite this, there is a slight chance of light rain and snow in isolated areas towards the end of the month, between January 29 and January 31.
In addition to the snow, the region has seen a rise in the night temperatures, contributing to a warmer start to the week compared to the usual colder conditions. For the first time this winter season, the district of Kupwara recorded a low temperature of 1°C, up from -1.4°C, marking a 3.7°C rise above normal levels.
With the ongoing snowfall and changes in temperature, Kashmir’s winter season continues to be dynamic, impacting travel, tourism, and daily life across the Valley(DD)