Parts of Kashmir, including the renowned tourist destination of Gulmarg, witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall on Monday, while rains lashed the plains including Srinagar. This sudden shift in weather brought life to a standstill in several areas, disrupting traffic and leading to a significant drop in temperatures across the region.
Snowfall in Highlands, Rainfall in Plains
The higher reaches of the valley were blanketed in white as Gulmarg received fresh snowfall early in the day. Other areas like Sonamarg also reported snowfall, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. Meanwhile, the summer capital, Srinagar, experienced intermittent light to moderate rainfall throughout the day. The rains also spread to other parts of the plains, effectively ending a prolonged dry spell that had persisted in the region.
Impact on Traffic and Daily Life
The weather conditions had an immediate impact on transportation and daily activities. Authorities reported that the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, a critical lifeline for the region, remained closed for traffic due to the adverse weather. This closure stranded passengers and disrupted the movement of essential goods. The Mughal Road, an alternative link connecting the valley to Jammu, was also shut down as a precautionary measure. The fresh snowfall in the hills and rains in the lower areas led to waterlogging and slippery conditions, making commuting difficult for residents.
The minimum temperature dropped sharply across most stations in Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a low of 5.0°C, which is notably below the normal for this period. The mercury dipped even further in other locations:
- Pahalgam recorded 0.8°C
- Gulmarg recorded -1.0°C
- Qazigund recorded 4.0°C
- Kokernag recorded 4.2°C
- Kupwara recorded 3.4°C
Weather Forecast and Official Advisory
The meteorological department has forecasted widespread light to moderate rain and snow over Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours. The weather office has also issued an advisory, warning of the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall over the Jammu region. Residents and travelers have been advised to exercise caution, as the conditions may lead to:
- Disruption of surface transportation on major highways.
- Possible landslides in vulnerable hilly areas.
- Temporary closure of roads, especially the Sinthan Pass and Mughal Road.
While the fresh precipitation has brought much-needed relief from the dry conditions, improving moisture levels, it has simultaneously caused significant inconvenience. The dual impact of beautiful yet disruptive weather underscores the challenges faced in the region during transitional seasons. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and efforts to clear blocked roads are expected to commence as soon as the weather permits.
