Fresh Snowfall Blankets Higher Reaches of South Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 1: Several parts of Kashmir witnessed fresh snowfall in higher altitudes while rain affected the plains, as minimum temperatures climbed above the freezing mark in some areas, including Srinagar, officials said on Sunday.

Snow was reported from the upper reaches of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and the Qazigund area of Kulgam district, while rainfall was recorded across many parts of South Kashmir. Srinagar city also experienced early morning showers.

The night temperature in the summer capital settled at 2 degrees Celsius, marking a noticeable rise from the previous night and remaining above the seasonal average, officials said.

Gulmarg in Baramulla district emerged as the coldest location in Jammu and Kashmir, recording a minimum of minus 7 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam registered a low of minus 1.4 degrees Celsius, higher than the previous night and well above the normal for this time of year.

Elsewhere, Qazigund recorded 0.4 degrees Celsius, Kokernag touched the freezing point, while Kupwara in north Kashmir saw a minimum of minus 1.7 degrees Celsius. Temperature data from some areas, including Sonamarg, was not immediately available.

Meanwhile, the 20-day ‘Chillai Khurd’ period commenced on Saturday following the end of ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the harshest phase of winter. This will be followed by the 10-day ‘Chillai Bachha’.

The meteorological department has forecast cloudy conditions with the likelihood of light to moderate rain or snowfall, particularly over higher reaches, accompanied by gusty winds or thunder at several places on Sunday. Similar weather is expected at scattered to many locations on February 2 and 3.