Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley experienced a cold spell over the past 24 hours, with temperatures dropping below freezing in many areas and widespread snowfall disrupting normal life.
According to the latest weather report, the higher reaches of North Kashmir received significant snowfall, with Gulmarg and Gurez recording nearly 15 inches of wet snow. Some higher altitudes in the region reported accumulations of up to two feet.
Kupwara district, one of the plains in North Kashmir, saw snowfall ranging between one and four inches, while its higher reaches recorded up to 1.5 feet of snow. Many other plains in North Kashmir also experienced rainfall, accompanied by a couple of inches of snow.
In Central Kashmir, rainfall yesterday afternoon transitioned into snowfall by evening, with the plains receiving three to four inches of wet snow. South Kashmir was similarly affected, with Shopian receiving around four inches of snow in the plains and up to a foot in higher altitudes. Pulwama experienced snowfall ranging from one to three inches in its plains. Meanwhile, Anantnag and Kulgam districts saw minimal accumulation of snow in their plains, ranging from one centimetre to one inch, though their higher elevations recorded up to a foot of snow.
Gulmarg was the coldest location in the region, recording a minimum temperature of -4.5°C. Other temperatures across the Valley included Srinagar at -0.5°C, Qazigund at 0.0°C, Pahalgam at -1.4°C, Kupwara at -0.3°C, and Kokernag at -0.4°C.
In the Jammu region, temperatures remained relatively mild, with Jammu city recording a minimum of 9.3°C. Other locations included Banihal at 2.3°C, Batote at 2.8°C, Katra at 9.2°C, and Bhaderwah at 3.6°C.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has predicted improvement in the prevailing weather conditions likely from today afternoon.
From January 7-10, the weather conditions will likely remain dry; while as from January 11-12 there is a possibility of cloudy with light rain in plains of Jammu, while snow at isolated to scattered places in J&K, the officials said.
From January 13-15, the weather conditions will likely remain dry, he added.
The official advised tourists, travelers and transporters to follow advisories from administration and traffic department.
