Spring Snow, Soaking Showers
Srinagar, May 31: Intermittent heavy spells of rain drenched most parts of Kashmir on Saturday, while the higher reaches received a fresh coating of snow, plunging temperatures sharply.
The wet spell, which began on Thursday, intensified overnight and continued intermittently through Saturday, causing a significant drop in daytime temperatures, making it feel more like early spring than late May.
According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, most parts of the Valley recorded below-normal maximum temperatures - some areas witnessing a deviation of over 14 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam, a tourist destination in south Kashmir, recorded a high of just 8.2 degrees Celsius, which is a staggering 14.8 degrees Celsius below normal for this time of the year.
Gulmarg, another tourist hotspot and ski resort, recorded a maximum temperature of only 6.8 degrees Celsius, which is 10.7 degrees Celsius below normal.
Srinagar saw a maximum of 14.5 degrees Celsius, 12.2 degrees Celsius below the usual while other parts of south and north Kashmir, including Qazigund, recorded 13 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 12.8 degrees Celsius, and Kokernag 12 degrees Celsius, also remained significantly colder than average.
The Meteorological Department officials said moderate to heavy rainfall in several districts, with Poonch in the Jammu region recording 39 mm and Baramulla in north Kashmir receiving 22 mm in the past 24 hours.
Gusty winds accompanied the downpour, with wind speeds reaching up to 72 km/h in Samba, 65 km/h in Jammu, and 58 km/h in Kathua.
The inclement weather is part of a broader disturbance affecting much of the western Himalayas.
Fresh snowfall was reported from higher altitudes in parts of north Kashmir and around the Pir Panjal range, temporarily halting travel across some hilly routes.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar issued a weather advisory, warning of moderate to heavy rainfall at scattered places across Kashmir on Sunday, which may be accompanied by intense showers and gusty winds.
There is also a risk of landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas and flash flooding at isolated spots.
People living in landslide-prone areas or near riverbanks have been advised to remain vigilant, and the public has been urged to avoid loose structures, electric poles, cables, and old trees, especially during intense weather events.
