Fresh snowfall in higher reaches brings respite from cold

Srinagar, Nov 23: The higher reaches of Kashmir on Saturday witnessed fresh snowfall, resulting in a steep rise in the minimum temperature that offered some relief from the biting cold.

The tourist spots of Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district and Gulmarg in north Kashmir received a light spell of snow on Saturday.

Reports of light snowfall were also received from other reaches including Zojila Pass and Sadhna Top in Kupwara district of north Kashmir.

Some areas in the Valley, including Srinagar, experienced light rain and Meteorological Department officials said that minimum temperatures increased a little.

They said that the minimum temperatures showed a marked improvement with Srinagar recording a low of 2.5 degrees Celsius, a significant rise from Friday’s minus 1.2 degrees Celsius, which was the coldest night of the season so far.

They said Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded 0.8 degrees Celsius and the health resort of Pahalgam recorded 3.2 degrees Celsius.

Officials said that the Gulmarg ski-resort in Baramulla district registered minus 0.5 degrees Celsius while Kupwara recorded 2.1 degrees Celsius.

The temperatures in Kokernag in south Kashmir settled at 2.4 degrees Celsius, they said.

The MeT officials said that the cloud cover contributed to the temperature rise, offering a brief respite to residents.

The MeT had predicted light rain or snow at scattered to fairly widespread places in the higher reaches of Kashmir on Saturday.

It said that on Sunday, isolated places in the upper reaches may receive light precipitation, while the weather is expected to remain predominantly dry across Kashmir until the month’s end.

A fresh spell of light rain or snow is forecast for December 1, especially in higher reaches, but the period from December 2 to 5 is likely to remain dry, officials said.

The authorities have advised travellers heading to high-altitude areas to exercise caution due to the slippery conditions caused by snowfall.

The fresh snowfall is expected to boost tourism in destinations like Gulmarg and Sonamarg, which have already started attracting winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.