Fresh precipitation across Kashmir brings snow to higher reaches

Srinagar, Feb 3: Several areas across Kashmir received fresh rain and snowfall on Tuesday, even as overnight temperatures registered a marginal rise in most parts of the Valley.

The summer capital Srinagar witnessed intermittent late-afternoon showers, with overcast conditions prevailing throughout the day.

Tourist resorts Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded fresh snowfall, while parts of south Kashmir experienced a mix of rain and snow.

Reports from Gulmarg said snowfall began in the morning and continued intermittently till late evening. “Both snow and rain lashed the resort town,” said Imtiyaz Ahmad, a resident of Pahalgam.

Other high-altitude areas of Anantnag district, including Sinthan Top, also received fresh snowfall. Syed Muiz, Tehsildar Larnoo, said the entire Kokernag area witnessed snowfall. Fresh snow was also reported from both the plains and upper reaches of Shopian district.

Despite the precipitation, minimum temperatures edged up slightly at several places. Srinagar recorded a low of 2.8 degrees Celsius. The ski resort of Gulmarg registered a minimum of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, around two degrees above the seasonal average of minus 7.4 degrees. Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius.

Qazigund recorded a minimum temperature of 0.4 degrees Celsius, Kokernag settled at zero, while Kupwara recorded a low of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius.

Weather officials have forecast generally cloudy conditions across Jammu and Kashmir on February 3, with light rain or snowfall likely at many places. The region is expected to remain largely dry from February 4 to 6, though light snowfall may occur over isolated higher reaches late on February 6.

February 7 may see cloudy skies with brief light snowfall over higher elevations in the early hours, followed by dry weather on February 8. Light rain or snow is again possible at a few places between February 9 and 10, with dry conditions expected on February 11 and 12.

Authorities have advised travellers and transporters to check road and highway conditions with traffic officials and urged residents of snow-bound areas to avoid steep and avalanche-prone zones.