SRINAGAR: A sharp weather change brought the first snowfall of the season to Kashmir’s higher reaches, including areas around Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Gumri and Zojila, while widespread rain in the plains lowered temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Meteorological Department, light snowfall was recorded in the upper reaches of Bandipora and Ganderbal districts, particularly around Gumri and Zojila. The snowfall left a thin layer of snow over mountain slopes and brought a noticeable chill to the higher areas.
Several parts of the Kashmir plains also received fresh rainfall, while Jammu city and other areas of the Jammu region experienced rain, with some places recording heavy showers overnight.
The change in weather brought relief from the recent warm conditions, with temperatures falling and conditions turning cooler across the region.
The Meteorological Department has forecast generally dry weather over Jammu and Kashmir during the next five days. However, partly cloudy conditions with the possibility of light to moderate rain at isolated places are expected during the next two days, followed by an improvement.
On Friday, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 33.5°C, while Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded 25.8°C and 21.2°C, respectively. Jammu city recorded a maximum of 33.1°C.
The weather department said temperatures are expected to decline slightly following the recent rain and snowfall, although the plains are likely to remain comparatively warm.
The early-season snowfall in the higher reaches marks a noticeable shift in mountain weather, while conditions across the lower areas continue to remain relatively mild.
