Heavy snowfall in Gulmarg, other higher reaches
MeT predicts erratic weather till Nov 11
Srinagar: Heavy snowfall draped Gulmarg resort in north Kashmir in a white blanket on Monday much to the delight of tourists there, even as most places in the Union territory received snowfall and rains, bringing down the day temperature, officials said.
Gulmarg, in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, recorded around 9 to 12 inches of fresh snowfall, they said.
Another tourist destination, Sonamarg, in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, recorded about three inches of fresh snowfall.
Sadhna Pass, on Srinagar-Tangdhar road in Kupwara, received about two feet of snow, while Machil received about five inches of snow, they said. Gurez, in north Kashmir’s Bandipora, received three inches of fresh snow.
There are reports of fresh snowfall in other areas in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir as well, the officials added.
The plains of the Valley, including Srinagar, were lashed by rains.
The officials said rain/snow showers are likely to continue at many places till afternoon and a significant improvement in the weather in expected in the evening.
Another western disturbance may bring light to moderate rain/snow showers from November 9-11, they added.
A meteorological department official here said that rain and snow was expected at most places of J&K with snowfall over higher reaches currently.
On Tuesday (November 8), he said, weather would generally be cloudy and “light snow may occur over higher reaches, although chances are less.”
“From November 9-11, widespread rain and snowfall (over higher reaches) is expected (forecast confidence more than 75%),” he said, adding, “Improvement in the weather is expected from November 11 onwards.”
Regarding probable impacts of the prevailing weather system, he said, snowfall and low temperature may lead to temporary disruption of surface transportation, mainly over Zojila, Jammu-Srinagar Highway, Leh-Manali road etc on today and between November 9-11.
The MeT department has also advised people to check status of these roads from traffic police prior to embarking on a journey to avoid inconveniences.
“Travelers on major passes are advised to carry sufficient food items, warm shoes, clothes etc. with them as road conditions remain uncertain during inclement weather.”
A meteorological department official said that in the last 24 hours till 0830 hours, Srinagar received 30mm of rain, Qazigund 36mm, Pahalgam 19mm, Kupwara 24mm, Kukernag 25mm, Gulmarg 30mm, Jammu nil, Banihal 18mm, Batote 2mm, Katra 14mm and Bhaderwah 2mm.
Meanwhile, he said, Srinagar recorded a low of 4.2°C against 5.2°C on the previous night. The temperature was 1.7°C above normal for the summer capital during this time of the year, he said.
Qazigund recorded a low of 5.4°C against 5.5°C on the previous night. The temperature was 2.9°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.
In Pahalgam, the mercury settled at 1.6°C against 2.1°C on the previous night and it was 1.8°C above normal for the south Kashmir resort, he said.
Kokernag recorded a low of 4.6°C against 5.0°C on the previous night and it was 0.8°C above normal for the place, he said.
Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 4.5°C against minus 3.6°C on the previous night and it was 6.1°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
In Kupwara town, the mercury settled at 2.3°C against 5.2°C on the previous night, the official said. It was 0.4°C below normal for the north Kashmir place, he said.
Jammu recorded a low of 18.1°C against 15.4°C on the previous night. It was 2.7°C above normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said. Banihal recorded a low of 6.56°C (above normal by 1.9°C), Batote 7.9°C (0.4°C above normal), Katra 11.4°C (below normal by 1.2°C) and Bhadarwah 7.9°C (above normal 0.4°C).
Meanwhile, the historic Mughal road remained closed for vehicular movement for the second consecutive day due to snowfall, officials said.
The Mughal road, connecting twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri with Shopian was closed for traffic on early Sunday after snowfall at several places enroute including Pir Ki Gali (PKG), Mansar Mohre and Posha, a police officer said.
Similarly, the officials said, traffic has been closed on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road after snowfall in areas around Sonamarg. The thoroughfare was also closed on Sunday morning but was reopened later. Fresh snowfall however has forced its fresh closure, they said.
Notably, the administration ordered the closure of primary and middle schools in Ramban and Kishtwar districts in view of harsh weather conditions, officials said.
In view of heavy rains, all primary and middle schools in Ramban district shall remain closed, they said, adding that students are advised to remain indoors.
Similarly, all primary and middle schools of Kishtwar district will remain closed due to bad weather as directed by the district administration.
However, all high schools and higher secondary schools in the districts will function normally, they added. (with inputs from PTI)
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