Fresh snow blankets higher reaches, plains witness rain
Srinagar, Nov 30: Several higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Saturday, even as the night temperatures across most places settled above freezing point due to overcast conditions, officials said. The snowfall occurred under the influence of a Western Disturbance, which brought the season’s first snowfall to some areas.
The tourist resort town of Pahalgam in Anantnag district witnessed its first snowfall of the season, much to the delight of visitors.
Similarly, other tourist hotspots including the Gulmarg ski resort and the meadow of Sonamarg also recorded snowfall.
Snowfall was also reported from other higher reaches, including Gurez, Zojila axis, and several upper areas of the region.
The snowfall on the Zojila axis led to the closure of the Srinagar-Leh highway, the primary road link connecting the Valley with Ladakh.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) had predicted cloudy weather with the possibility of light rain or snowfall at isolated or scattered places in the higher reaches of Kashmir on Saturday.
On Sunday, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy with light precipitation in some upper areas.
The MeT also predicted light rain or snow at scattered places in the higher reaches from December 2 to 3.
From December 4 to 7, the weather is expected to stay generally dry, with a slight chance of light rain or snow in isolated areas on December 8.
Overcast skies led to a rise in night temperatures across Kashmir, with most places recording temperatures above freezing point.
Srinagar recorded a low of 1 degree Celsius, up from the previous night’s -1 degree Celsius.
Pahalgam recorded the coldest temperature in the Valley at minus 1.5 degree Celsius, Kupwara registered a low of minus 3.4 degree Celsius, Gulmarg recorded 0.5 degree Celsius, Qazigund recorded -0.4 degree Celsius and Kokernag recorded 3 degree Celsius.
Rainfall Deficit November
Despite the fresh snowfall, J&K experienced a significant rainfall deficit during November.
J&K, along with Ladakh, recorded a 69 percent shortfall in rainfall for the month.
According to the MeT, the normal rainfall for November is 35.3 mm, but only 10.9 mm was observed this year.
The data highlighted stark disparities.
Kathua recorded 100 percent rainfall deficit, receiving no rainfall against a normal of 28 mm.
Poonch registered a 98 percent shortfall.
Budgam received 14.9 mm of rainfall against a normal of 30.1 mm, a 90 percent deficiency.
Samba district emerged as an outlier, recording a 48 percent surplus with 12.5 mm of rainfall against a normal of 8.1 mm.
Kupwara also fared relatively better, recording a marginal 3 percent deficit with 48.1 mm of rainfall against a normal of 49.8 mm.
Srinagar and Jammu districts experienced substantial rainfall deficits of 74 percent and 78 percent.
This year, Kashmir experienced unusually high temperatures coupled with significant rainfall deficits, raising concerns over climatic variations in the region.
The snowfall brings much-needed relief but also highlights the challenges of erratic weather patterns.
As Kashmir braces for harsher winter months, fresh snowfall has provided a picturesque start to the season while also posing challenges, including disruptions to road connectivity. ..
