Gulmarg glows in fresh snow

Srinagar, Dec 8: The higher reaches of Kashmir, including the ski resort of Gulmarg, received fresh snowfall on Sunday even as the Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted more precipitation during the next 24 hours.

However, the snowfall disrupted traffic on some key routes.

The Mughal Road, which connects south Kashmir’s Shopian district to the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu division, was closed due to snow accumulation.

The Sinthan Pass in Kishtwar also became impassable, causing travel disruptions in the areas, Traffic Police officials said.

In addition to Gulmarg, fresh snowfall was reported in other high-altitude areas, including Machhil and Bangus Valley in Kupwara district, and the upper reaches of Bandipora.

The Pir Panjal mountain range and various other areas in the higher altitudes of Jammu and Kashmir also witnessed snow showers, adding to the winter ambience.

The snowfall has intensified cold wave conditions across Kashmir. Although night temperatures improved slightly from the previous night, they remained below freezing in most areas.

The ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in Kashmir.

Srinagar, recorded a low of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius, slightly warmer than the minus 2 degrees Celsius reported the previous night.

Meanwhile, the Pahalgam tourist destination recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, compared to minus 4.3 degrees Celsius the night before.

Kupwara, in the north, saw a significant rise in temperature, with a low of 0.4 degrees Celsius compared to minus 3.6 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Other regions like Qazigund and Kokernag also recorded slight improvements in night temperatures.

The MeT in Srinagar has forecast generally cloudy weather with chances of light rain and snow in some areas of Kashmir and Jammu divisions until Monday forenoon.

A weak Western Disturbance is expected to affect the region on December 12, bringing light rain and snow to some areas. However, the overall weather is likely to remain mostly dry till December 17.

Meanwhile, Peer Ki Gali recorded around 6 inches of snow, Sinthan Top 5 to 6 inches, Doodhpatri around 4 to 5 inches, Gulmarg received 2 to 3 inches and Baltal, Pahalgam 5 inches.