SRINAGAR: Several higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall while widespread rainfall lashed the plains on Thursday, bringing down daytime temperatures by several degrees, officials said.
Under the influence of a western disturbance, fresh overnight snowfall was recorded in the popular tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Sonamarg. Snowfall was also reported in the upper reaches of Gurez and Kupwara, besides the Zojila Pass and Mughal Road in south Kashmir’s Shopian district.
The snowfall along the Zojila Pass, which connects the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, led to the suspension of vehicular traffic on the strategic highway, officials said.
Meanwhile, several parts of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, witnessed rainfall, resulting in a significant drop in daytime temperatures.
In another weather-related incident, a landslide occurred along the Uri-Baramulla National Highway at Rajanwani in north Kashmir, disrupting traffic movement. The landslide brought debris and boulders onto the road, bringing vehicular movement to a halt and leaving several commuters stranded.
Authorities have initiated road clearance operations to remove the debris and restore traffic movement.
The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rainfall in the plains and snowfall in higher reaches at most places till Friday afternoon, with moderate to heavy rain or snowfall likely at some locations.
A brief spell of light rain or snowfall at isolated places is also expected between November 14 and 15. Dry weather is likely to prevail across the region from November 16 to 20, the MeT Department said.
