SRINAGAR: Fresh snowfall was recorded in several higher reaches of Kashmir, including the tourist resorts of Gulmarg and Sonamarg, while the plains witnessed heavy rainfall, officials said on Thursday.
According to officials, both Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district and Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district received intermittent snowfall. Gulmarg alone recorded an accumulation of around five to six inches of fresh snow since the previous day.
Other high-altitude areas, including Pir Ki Gali along the Mughal Road, Razdan Top in Gurez, and Sadhna Top, also experienced fresh snowfall. Most upper reaches of the valley have been witnessing intermittent snow since Sunday.
In contrast, plains including Srinagar were lashed by heavy rains, leading to a drop in temperatures across the region.
The India Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast erratic weather conditions until March 20, with intermittent light to moderate rain or snow expected across most areas. Higher reaches of the Chenab Valley and parts of south Kashmir may witness moderate to heavy snowfall.
The weather department has predicted generally dry conditions from March 21 to 24, with a possibility of a brief spell of rain or snow on March 23. Further, light precipitation is likely between March 26 and 28, followed by another spell from March 29 to 31.
Thunderstorms, gusty winds reaching 40–50 km/h, and isolated hailstorms may also occur in some areas. The MeT Office has advised farmers to resume agricultural activities after March 21.
