Rains, snow bring temperature down

Srinagar, Apr 19: Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir and rainfall across the Valley’s plains brought down temperatures on Sunday, officials said.

Moderate snowfall was reported in the Tulail area of Gurez Valley and at Razdan Top in Bandipora district, as well as on either side of Zojila Pass in the Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district.

Snowfall was also recorded along the Mughal Road connecting Shopian with the Poonch-Rajouri region, and at Sinthan Top and Margan Top, which link Kashmir with the Chenab Valley.

An official said snow accumulation at Zojila Pass exceeded 8 inches, forcing the closure of the Srinagar-Ladakh highway and stranding several vehicles.

Police and civil administration rescued passengers travelling to Gurez after the road was closed, the official said.

Several key roads were closed due to snowfall, including the Mughal Road, Srinagar-Kargil Road, Bandipora-Gurez Road, Anantnag-Sinthan Top-Kishtwar Road, and the Anantnag-Margan Top-Warwan-Marwa route.

Light to moderate rainfall was recorded in the plains during the early hours, with conditions improving later in the day, a Meteorological Department official said.

Srinagar recorded 6.5 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, while Kupwara received 12.5 mm.

Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded 11 mm and 3.3 mm.

The impact of the western disturbance was more pronounced in north and central Kashmir, with relatively less effect in south Kashmir.

Light rainfall was also reported at several locations in the Jammu region.

Day temperatures dropped significantly following the precipitation.

Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 15.8 degrees Celsius, about 5 degrees below normal.

Pahalgam also recorded 15.8 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg registered 7.6 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department has forecast generally dry weather from April 20 to April 23, which is expected to ease disruptions and support normal public and agricultural activities.

However, conditions are likely to turn partly to generally cloudy between April 24 and April 25, with brief spells of light rain or thundershowers expected at several places.

Gusty winds may occur at isolated locations during the late afternoon and evening.

A short spell of light rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds is also likely at a few places on April 26, mainly in the afternoon, officials said.