SRINAGAR: Parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed fresh snowfall, accompanied by rainfall in Jammu and Central Kashmir districts, leading to a decline in temperatures, on Thursday.
Moderate snowfall was reported in Sinthan Top, Daksum, Kokernag, Kishtwar, Poonch, and other areas, with snow accumulation reaching up to six inches by the evening.
The snowfall occurred due to a Western Disturbance (WD) that primarily affected southern Kashmir. Independent weather forecasters reported snowfall of 6 inches in Daksum, 4 inches in Pahalgam, and 6–8 inches in Baltal, Pahalgam, and Chandanwari. Qazigund recorded 2 inches of snow, while light snowfall of 2 cm was observed in South Kashmir’s Shopian and Pulwama districts.
Light snowfall was also reported from Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, and parts of Srinagar. In Poonch, snow accumulation ranged between 3–6 inches, with Kishtwar receiving 4 inches and Sinthan Top 6 inches. Higher reaches of Kathua district also recorded snowfall.
The snowfall caused a significant drop in temperatures. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a maximum temperature of 3.4°C, compared to 11.0°C the previous day. Qazigund recorded 3.2°C, Pahalgam 1.0°C, Kupwara 6.5°C, Kokernag 3.0°C, and Gulmarg minus 0.7°C.
MeT Department Forecast
Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, said that the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy until January 19, with a possibility of light snowfall in isolated higher reaches. No significant weather activity is expected until January 19.
From January 20–21, the weather is expected to remain cloudy, with chances of light snowfall in isolated to scattered areas. On January 22–23, light to moderate rainfall is expected in the plains of Jammu, while snow is likely at scattered to fairly widespread locations.
The MeT department advised tourists, travellers, and transporters to follow the administration’s and traffic advisories for safety. (KNO)
