SRINAGAR: Several higher reaches of Kashmir Valley received fresh snowfall on Sunday, while the plains were lashed by rain, officials said.
According to officials, the upper reaches of Gulmarg, including the Apharwat and Kongdoori bowls, witnessed fresh snowfall which continued till the last reports came in. Snowfall was also reported from Peer Ki Gali along the Mughal Road in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, as well as the Sonamarg–Zoji La Pass axis.
The fresh snowfall at Zoji La forced the closure of the Srinagar–Leh National Highway, officials added.
Meanwhile, the plains of the valley, including Srinagar, experienced steady rainfall that continued till the last reports, bringing down the daytime temperatures across the region.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast erratic weather conditions across the valley until March 20.
According to the Meteorological Department, intermittent light to moderate rain, with snowfall in the higher reaches, is likely to continue until Monday morning. A brief spell of light rain or snow is also possible at isolated places on Tuesday.
From March 18 to 20, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with chances of intermittent light to moderate rain or snowfall at many places across the valley.
The MeT Office also predicted another wet spell around March 24–25, with scattered places likely to receive light rain or snowfall in higher reaches.
Officials further warned that thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of around 40–50 kmph may occur at a few places on Sunday and Monday.
