By Tehelka Web Desk
The higher reaches of Kashmir received the season’s first snowfall on Saturday as temperatures dropped after a week of relatively warm weather, while several areas in the plains experienced light rain, hail and gusty winds.
Fresh snowfall was reported along the Sonamarg-Zojila axis, including Gumri, as well as in Tulail and Kaobal Gali in Bandipora district. The higher reaches around Gulmarg and Mahadev Peak in the mountains surrounding Srinagar also received fresh snow.
The snowfall remained restricted to high-altitude areas, while lower-lying parts of the Valley received light rain. Srinagar and several other areas recorded showers during the morning and afternoon.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 26.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while Pahalgam recorded 23.4 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg 19 degrees Celsius. Qazigund recorded 27.2 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 27 degrees Celsius and Kupwara 26.5 degrees Celsius.
The higher reaches around Zojila Pass, located at an altitude of about 11,578 feet, received a light blanket of snow. The snowfall was also reported from areas around Minamarg, Sonamarg and the Drass sector.
Despite the snowfall, traffic movement on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway remained largely smooth. Authorities advised motorists to exercise caution on slippery stretches at higher elevations, while Border Roads Organisation personnel remained on alert to keep the route operational.
The Meteorological Department has forecast generally dry weather with isolated rain or thundershowers over Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days. Brief showers are possible on Sunday, while scattered rain or thundershowers are likely on September 14 and 15.
Further snowfall in the Sonamarg-Zojila sector could lead to a further drop in temperatures and affect traffic along the high-altitude route.
