REGIONAL

Fresh snowfall blankets Kashmir’s higher reaches, night temperatures stay above freezing

By News Desk

November 30, 2024

Several areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir witnessed fresh snowfall on Saturday due to a western disturbance, officials reported.

Despite the snowfall, most locations recorded night temperatures above freezing.

Tourist destinations, including Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, experienced the season’s first snowfall.

Gulmarg and Sonamarg, other popular resorts, also saw snow, along with Gurez, the Zojila axis, and various other high-altitude areas.

The snowfall prompted the closure of the Srinagar-Leh highway, officials confirmed.

The Meteorological Department stated that Saturday would remain cloudy, with chances of light rain or snow in isolated or scattered areas in higher altitudes.

Sunday is expected to bring partly cloudy weather with occasional rain or snow in select places.

From December 2, light precipitation is predicted for two days, while the period from December 4–7 is likely to remain dry. Light rain or snow might resume on December 8.

Meanwhile, overcast skies contributed to a rise in night temperatures across the Valley. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 1°C, up from the previous night’s -1°C.

Qazigund reported -0.4°C, Pahalgam -1.5°C (the coldest in the Valley), Gulmarg 0.5°C, and Kupwara -3.4°C. Kokernag in south Kashmir registered 3°C.