Fresh snowfall blanketed many areas, including popular tourist towns in the higher reaches of Kashmir, on Saturday, even though most locations recorded temperatures above freezing, according to officials.
The snowfall, triggered by a western disturbance, affected several regions, with the renowned tourist destination of Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district receiving its first snow of the season. Other well-known spots like the ski resort town of Gulmarg and Sonamarg also experienced snowfall. Snow was also reported from areas like Gurez and along the Zojila axis, where the weather conditions led to the closure of the Srinagar-Leh highway.
The Meteorological Department predicted cloudy weather with a possibility of light rain or snow in scattered places over the higher reaches of the Valley on Saturday. By Sunday, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy, with continued chances of light rain or snow in some areas.
From December 2, light rain or snow is expected in scattered locations in the higher altitudes over the next two days. The weather is forecast to be mostly dry between December 4 and 7, with light rain or snow possible in isolated spots on December 8 in the higher reaches.
Meanwhile, the night temperatures across Kashmir rose due to overcast conditions, with most places staying above freezing. Srinagar’s minimum temperature was recorded at 1°C, up from -1°C the previous night.
Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley in south Kashmir, recorded a low of -0.4°C, while Pahalgam saw the coldest temperature of -1.5°C. Gulmarg’s minimum was 0.5°C, and Kupwara had a low of -3.4°C. Kokernag in south Kashmir reported a low of 3°C.