Fresh Snowfall Blankets Kashmir Hills, Heavy Rain Batters Plains
Wet Spell Lowers Temperatures; More Rain and Snow Likely Till March 20
Srinagar, Mar 19: Several higher altitude areas of Kashmir, including popular tourist destinations Gulmarg and Sonamarg, received fresh snowfall, while the plains witnessed heavy rainfall, officials said on Thursday.
Gulmarg in Baramulla district recorded around five to six inches of fresh snow since Wednesday, with intermittent snowfall continuing. Similar conditions were reported from Sonamarg in Ganderbal district. Other elevated regions such as Pir Ki Gali along the Mughal Road, Razdan Top in Gurez, and Sadhna Top in Kupwara also experienced fresh snowfall over the past few days.
In contrast, the plains, including Srinagar, were lashed by steady rain, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures across the Valley.
According to the Meteorological Department, the current spell of erratic weather is expected to continue until March 20, with intermittent light to moderate rain or snowfall likely across most areas. Higher reaches of the Chenab Valley and parts of south Kashmir may witness moderate to heavy snowfall during this period.
Weather conditions are expected to improve between March 21 and 24, although a brief spell of rain or snow may occur on March 23. Further light precipitation is likely between March 26 and 28, followed by another spell towards the end of the month.
The MeT Office also warned of possible thunderstorms, gusty winds reaching 40–50 km/h, and isolated hailstorms in some areas. Farmers have been advised to resume agricultural activities after March 21 as conditions stabilise.
