Snow, showers lash J&K

Srinagar, Mar 15: Widespread rains lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, causing a significant drop in temperatures, while higher reaches witnessed fresh snowfall, officials said.

The wet spell that began in Kashmir four days ago intensified on Friday night, bringing heavy rainfall to several parts of J&K and snowfall in some areas of south Kashmir.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) in Srinagar predicted widespread light to moderate rain or snow during the next 24 hours, advising people, especially in the higher altitudes, to take necessary precautions.

According to MeT data, Qazigund in south Kashmir received the highest rainfall in the last 24 hours at 47.4 mm, followed by Pahalgam with 35.4 mm, Konibal 34 mm, and Kokarnag 28.6 mm.

Srinagar city also recorded 18.7 mm of rainfall, affecting normal life and traffic movement.

Fresh snowfall was reported from various higher reaches, with Pahalgam recording 14 cm of snow and the Gulmarg ski resort witnessing 13.7 cm.

The upper reaches of Sonamarg, Gurez, and Pir Panjal range received fresh snow accumulation, adding to the winter chill.

In the Jammu division, heavy rainfall was reported in multiple areas, with Banihal receiving the highest at 43.7 mm in the last 24 hours.

Authorities warned of possible landslides along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which has already seen intermittent closures due to bad weather conditions.

Authorities in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district decided to close schools in the higher reaches until March 17.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara Ayushi Sudan said that all schools in Machil, Keran, Budnambal, Kumkadi, Jumagund, and upper areas of Karnah would remain shut as a precautionary measure.

The unseasonal wet spell led to a steep drop in temperatures across the region.

Srinagar recorded a minimum of 2 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg shivered at minus 1.8 degrees Celsius. Other parts of Kashmir also experienced a drop in night temperatures, intensifying the winter chill in mid-March.

The MeT has forecast more rainfall and light snowfall in the higher reaches over the next 24 hours, with gradual improvement expected from Monday.