Srinagar: Most parts of north Kashmir including Gulmarg and Kupwara besides famous southern Pahalgam resort received fresh snowfall even as incessant rains drenched the Valley, officials said on Friday.
A meteorological department official said that Gulmarg, the world famous skiing resort, received 45 centimetres fresh snowfall in last 24 hours till 0830 hours. In past 5 days, the famed tourist destination in north Kashmir received 105.1cm of snow. It recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.0°C against minus 3.2°C on the previous night, the official said.
Srinagar, the official said, received 27.2mm of fresh rain during the 24 hours even as it recorded a low of 2.2°C against 3.7°C on the previous night. The temperature was minus 1.5°C above normal for this time of the year in this summer capital, the official said.
Qazigund recorded a low of 3.0°C against 5.7°C on the previous night and received 28.8mm of rain during the time.
The mercury settled at o.3°C against 1.6°C on the earlier night at Pahalgam while the famous resort received 35.9mm rain and 1cm snowfall.
Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a low of 3.0°C against 4.3°C on the previous night while it received 16.4mm rain.
The minimum temperature settled at minus 0.7°C in Kupwara against 2.6°C on the previous night while the north Kashmir district received 66mm rain including 3cm snowfall, the official said. Some areas in the district received major snowfall with Sadnatop recording 2.6ft, Machil 1.9ft and Keran 2.6ft.
The weatherman has forecast erratic weather with rain with thunderstorm in plains and snow over higher reaches in the Valley till March 15.
“Widespread moderate to isolated heavy rain/snow (is expected) in Kashmir, scattered light rain (in) plains of Jammu and widespread moderate to heavy shower in Poonch and Rajourim” Sonam Lotus Director Meteorological department said.
“Current weather is likely to persists during day time. Expect gradual improvement from evening,” he said, adding, “Thunderstorm with rain is most likely at some places of South Kashmir, hilly areas of Jammu region.”
The weatherman has issued a warning, asking concerned to remain alert for landslide and avalanche in “vulnerable spots as land is fully saturated.”
For March today, the weatherman has also issued a “yellow warning” for “isolated heavy rain/snow, thundershowers with lightning, hail and gusty winds” in Kashmir as well as Jammu divisions.
There are four types colour codes signifying the level of caution: green which means no action, yellow—situation to be watched), amber –government agencies need to be prepared for severe weather and red –action needed by the agencies.
