(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) KO Photo By Abid Bhat
Srinagar- The higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Tuesday, while the plains were lashed by the rains under the influence of a fresh Western Disturbance (WD bringing down the day temperature sharply.
According to reports, the higher reaches of the Valley, including the hill stations of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg received fresh snowfall much to the delight of the tourists present there. Snowfall was also reported from parts of south Kashmir, including Anantnag, Shopian and Kulgam. However, the plains received intermittent rainfall throughout the day.
Director Meteorological department (MeT), Sonum Lotus said the rain and snow would likely intensify with main activity later tonight and tomorrow.“Heavy snowfall is very likely over the middle and higher reaches,” he said.
The MeT Director further said that the fresh wet spell would likely affect surface transportation over major passes including Jammu-Srinagar national highway. He said the snowfall would also lead to avalanches in avalanche-prone areas.
“People are advised to avoid venturing out in avalanche-prone areas during snowfall days. Travel after confirming road status from the concerned traffic department,” he advised.
Meanwhile, the minimum temperature stayed several degrees below the freezing point across Kashmir, officials said
In Srinagar, the minimum temperature settled at a low of minus 2.3 degrees Celsius. Qazigund registered a low of minus 0.6 degrees Celsius, officials said.
Kokernag in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 3.5 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature in Kupwara settled at minus 3.4 degrees, the officials said.
The minimum temperature in Gulmarg in Baramulla district was minus 9.5 degrees Celsius. The famous ski-resort was the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pahalgam recorded a minimum temperature of minus 8.6 degrees Celsius, plunging four degrees as compared to the previous night.
The MeT office said there are chances of light rain or snow at scattered places in the Union Territory over the next five days except on Friday.
It predicted a much higher intensity of precipitation from till Wednesday, with the possibility of moderate snow in the plains of Kashmir and moderate to heavy snow over the middle and higher reaches, and rain in Jammu.
Light rain or snow could occur at isolated places on Saturday and Sunday, it further said. (With Agency inputs)
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